German embassy here today opened its doors for an exhibition on 'European Modern Sculptures', with the country's Ambassador to India, Michael Steiner, saying that the event is a "great" opportunity to start a dialogue between European and Indian modernism.
During the ceremony, Steiner surprised the audience by starting his address with Sanskrit.
"Suswagatham everyone. Culture is a core issue of society and modern diplomacy is about connecting societies. We are proud to bring few of the original pieces of art from the National Gallery in Berlin to India for the first time," Steiner said.
"Both Europe and India are experiencing a far-reaching historical transformation, albeit at different levels. The exhibition is a great opportunity to start a dialogue between European and Indian modernism," he said.
The exhibition displayed the work of noted artists from Ukraine, Italy, Spain, France, Germany and other European nations.
"Art can be a potent tool for national discourse. It is essential to note that the long neglected Indian modern art is generating interest in India and abroad. The exhibition serves as a platform to look at the influences both European and Indian art have undertaken," Elise Steiner, Ambassador's wife and also an art student said.
The event comes in the backdrop of recent row over replacing German with Sanskrit as the third language in Kendriya Vidyalayas by the Indian government.
Even as art was the theme of the occasion, the interest around the role of languages refused to die down with the Ambassador inviting a young girl to sing in three different languages.
16-year-old Ipsitaa Khullar, studying in class 12th enthralled the audience with her rendition of an Italian opera along with singing two more songs in German and Italy.
"I am honored to perform at the embassy today in front of such a global audience," she said.
In a parting statement and on a light note, Elise added that "Next time I am going to give a speech in Sanskrit.
