In a grand celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Stuttgart Wine Festival, the city of Mumbai is set to host the much-anticipated event, “Stuttgart meets Mumbai 2024,” from the 9th to the 10th of February. The milestone occasion not only marks two decades of the Stuttgart Wine Festival but also highlights nine successful years of the state partnership between Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg, forging stronger ties between India and Germany.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Stuttgart Wine Festival, the celebration extends to acknowledging the nine successful years of the State partnership between the States of Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg. The closeness between India and Germany has reached unprecedented levels as genuine partners. This momentum should not be overlooked, and participation is encouraged to become a part of the promising Indo-German future.
As the two nations stand as true partners, the festivities are expected to showcase the depth and success of their collaborations over the years. The event will unfold around the iconic Hotel Taj Lands End in Mumbai, with a focus on celebrating existing partnerships while also fostering new, long-lasting cooperation at “Stuttgart meets Mumbai.”
The program is brimming with diverse events, including distinguished delegates from Baden-Württemberg and Maharashtra, an exhibition featuring partners from Germany and India, and a series of workshops, seminars, and panel discussions. Attendees can immerse themselves in the world of German cooking through a unique Maultaschen workshop, explore sustainability in education, diversity, and living in Stuttgart, and join the 20th-anniversary celebration of the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart.
Andreas Lapp, Honorary Consul of the Republic of India for Baden-Wuerttemberg, expressed great joy in observing the successful development of the exchange beyond the city borders over the last two decades. He noted that the relationship between India and Germany has grown closer than ever.
Mr Lapp encouraged celebration, mentioning an upcoming intercultural festival with distinguished delegates from both cities. He highlighted the organized program, including workshops on global skills mobility and sustainability. Mr Lapp also extended an invitation to the 20th ‘Stuttgart meets Mumbai’ wine festival, expressing his desire to toast the friendship with attendees.
Frank Nopper, the Lord Mayor of the City of Stuttgart, expressed delight in celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Stuttgart meets Mumbai” in 2024. He noted that the event, which initially commenced as a wine celebration, has evolved into something more significant. Mr Nopper emphasized that it has played a crucial role in strengthening the bonds of friendship between Mumbai and Stuttgart, serving as an inspiration for cooperation between the two cities, which have been twinned since 1968.
Highlighting the success of cultural exchange between India and Germany, Mr Nopper pointed out the close collaboration between Mumbai and Stuttgart in various fields such as business, education, research, and culture. Despite the significant geographical distance between the two cities, the twinning and the wine festival have brought them progressively closer. Mr Nopper acknowledged the enriching effect of existing differences, which prompt self-reflection and open up new perspectives. He emphasized the mutual learning that takes place between the two cities.
Mr Nopper extended his gratitude to the initiator of the festival, Honorary Consul Andreas Lapp, and his team. In concluding his statement, he proposed a collective toast to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Stuttgart meets Mumbai” and wished for the enduring prosperity of Indo-German friendship.
Florian Stegmann, the State Minister of Baden-Württemberg, reflected on the eventful year of 2023. India, during this period, assumed the presidency of the G20, culminating in a successful heads of state summit held in Delhi in September. Notably, India has grown to become the largest democracy globally, boasting a population close to 1.5 billion inhabitants.
Acknowledging India as a key partner for Germany in the Asia-Pacific region, Mr Stegmann highlighted the significant intensification and deepening of cooperation between Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg throughout 2023.
Following fruitful meetings in Mumbai and Pune at the start of the year, the partnership between the two states progressed, particularly with the objective of promoting skilled labor migration. Mr Stegmann expressed the intention for further collaboration in this field in the coming months and years. He credited the success of these political initiatives to the dedication of numerous partners in both Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg.
Expressing gratitude, Mr Stegmann thanked Andreas Lapp, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of India in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. He acknowledged Lapp’s role in hosting the 20th anniversary of the Wine Festival STUTTGART MEETS MUMBAI in the vibrant and emerging city, bringing together all those who contribute to the vital bilateral partnership. Mr Stegmann concluded with his best wishes for the success of the festival.
An invitation extends to all interested parties for an exclusive film screening scheduled for either Friday, 9th of February 2024, or Saturday, 10th of February 2024, from 03:00 to 05:45 p.m. The venue for this cinematic experience is the renowned Hotel Taj Lands End, located in Bandstand Bandra (West), Mumbai – 400 050, specifically at the Spektra venue.
The distinguished key speaker for the occasion is Oliver Mahn, serving as the CEO of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Film Office and the Festival Director of the “Indian Film Festival Stuttgart.”
Commencing at 03:00 p.m., the program unfolds with an engaging screening that showcases the diverse and creative film industry of Baden-Wuerttemberg, with a particular focus on the Stuttgart region. December sees an annual showcase featuring the finest films by local filmmakers, and this special screening aims to share select highlights from the December 2023 festival program.
The schedule incorporates a short interlude for registration and Hi Tea from 04:00 to 04:10 p.m., followed by a warm welcome and introduction at 04:10 p.m. The screening itself will continue until 05:30 p.m., concluding with a dynamic Q&A session.
Of note, participation in the screening not only ensures access to this cinematic experience but also includes entry to the Wine Festival STUTTGART MEETS MUMBAI on the respective screening day. Attendees must be 18 years or above, and pre-registration is imperative for screening attendance.
For those eager to engage in this cinematic journey, registration is facilitated by sending an email to Ms Hannah Wagner at mumbai2024@indian-filmfestival.com. The email should include essential details, such as the preferred participation day (Friday 9th or Saturday 10th), the full name, industry affiliation, company, and the website if available.
This screening promises an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the short film highlights of the thriving Baden-Wuerttemberg film industry. All are invited to partake in an evening of cinematic brilliance and cultural celebration at this esteemed event.
Additionally, an workshop is scheduled for Saturday, 10th of February 2024, from 01:30 to 05:00 p.m., and will take place at the prestigious Hotel Taj Lands End in Bandstand Bandra (West), Mumbai – 400 050, specifically at the Konkan venue.
The workshop’s theme centers around the pivotal role of education and research in nurturing sustainable development, with Germany steadfastly supporting India in these realms and extending its partnership to the Stuttgart-Mumbai city collaboration. The objective is to explore sustainability from diverse perspectives, with a specific emphasis on showcasing examples of sustainable education by two universities and two high schools.
The workshop will intricately delve into the intersection of sustainability and diversity, both within the educational context and in the City of Stuttgart’s presentation on the nuances of working and living in Mumbai’s twinning city.
Structured into two distinct parts, the workshop’s initial phase will showcase key presentations by participants, setting the stage for the subsequent part that involves engaging discussions on the broader themes of sustainability and diversity.
Esteemed speakers for the workshop include Wolfgang Holtkamp, Senior Advisor International Affairs at the University of Stuttgart, Jonathan Leutwyler, Operations Manager at the University of Stuttgart, and Rashmi Lee Georg.
The schedule unfolds with registration from 01:30 to 02:00 p.m., followed by a warm welcome and introduction from 02:00 to 02:15 p.m. The subsequent sessions, each focusing on a unique aspect, include University education and sustainability (02:15 – 02:45 p.m.), High schools as education partners for sustainability (02:45 – 03:15 p.m.), and Stuttgart – Your sustainable work and life destination (03:15 – 03:45 p.m.).
A Hi Tea/Break is scheduled from 03:45 to 04:15 p.m., leading into a captivating panel discussion on achieving sustainability through diversity in Stuttgart and Mumbai (04:15 – 05:00 p.m.). The event concludes with a forward-looking Conclusion and Outlook from 05:00 to 05:15 p.m.
Participation in this enlightening workshop includes complimentary entry to the Wine Festival STUTTGART MEETS MUMBAI on the 10th of February 2024 at Hotel Taj Lands End. Prospective participants are kindly reminded that attendees must be 18 years or older, and pre-registration is mandatory to secure a seat at this engaging workshop.
To ensure your participation, kindly fill out the online registration form by the 31st of January 2024. The workshop promises a deep exploration of sustainability, education, diversity, and the intricate connection between Stuttgart and Mumbai, offering a unique and enriching experience.
The focal point of this workshop is to discover the art of crafting your own authentic “Schäbische Maultaschen,” the meat-filled dumplings renowned by the EU as a significant cultural heritage of Swabian cuisine in Baden-Württemberg. Guided by expert German chefs from the Stuttgart region—Mr. Patrick Baumgartner and Mr. Philipp Bittenbinder—the workshop promises to unravel the secrets behind this culinary delight.
Commencing with registration from 11:30 to 12:00 p.m., participants will then be immersed in a hands-on Cooking Workshop from 12:00 to 01:00 p.m., where they will learn the art of creating these delectable dumplings.
It’s noteworthy that participation in the workshop not only grants access to this culinary adventure but also includes entry to the Wine Festival STUTTGART MEETS MUMBAI on the 10th of February 2024 at Hotel Taj Lands End.
To ensure your participation, kindly complete the online registration form by the 31st of January 2024. Join us for a delightful culinary journey, and let the flavors of Baden-Württemberg tantalize your taste buds.
The focal point of this workshop is to discover the art of crafting your own authentic “Schäbische Maultaschen,” the meat-filled dumplings renowned by the EU as a significant cultural heritage of Swabian cuisine in Baden-Württemberg. Guided by expert German chefs from the Stuttgart region—Mr. Patrick Baumgartner and Mr. Philipp Bittenbinder—the workshop promises to unravel the secrets behind this culinary delight.
Commencing with registration from 11:30 to 12:00 p.m., participants will then be immersed in a hands-on Cooking Workshop from 12:00 to 01:00 p.m., where they will learn the art of creating these delectable dumplings.
It’s noteworthy that participation in the workshop not only grants access to this culinary adventure but also includes entry to the Wine Festival Stuttgart meets Mumbai 2024 on the 10th of February 2024 at Hotel Taj Lands End. Please be informed that participants must be 18 years or above, and pre-registration is mandatory to secure a spot at this flavorful workshop.
As the event unfolds, it promises stimulating, sociable, and highly enjoyable hours at the Hotel Taj Lands End. The organizers extend a warm invitation to all participants, emphasizing that the celebration is not just a commemoration but an active shaping of the future of the partnership between Stuttgart and Mumbai.
As Frank Nopper aptly puts it, “Let’s toast the 20th anniversary of ‘Stuttgart meets Mumbai’ together! Long live the Indo-German friendship!”
