Creating Cultural Bridges: My Experience Sharing Indian Culture at a German School

As a DAAD KOSPIE Exchange Scholar at TU Munich, I had an incredible opportunity to represent Indian culture to the students of Realschule Gute Änger near Munich, as part of the Europa macht Schule (EmS) program. It was a rewarding experience to design and deliver a series of lessons that covered various aspects of Indian culture, including art, music, dance, food, and customs.

I have changed 8 schools across 7 different states in India. The lessons were structured to provide students with a glimpse of the Indian Culture I had seen in various parts of India and how it truly represents ‘Unity in Diversity’. I also highlighted the similarities between Indian and German cultures and how languages such as ‘Sanskrit’, festivals like Holi & Christmas, and customs bind us all. I also introduced them to some Sanskrit phrases that reflect our values, like "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the entire world is like a family), "Atithi Devo Bhava" (Guest is equivalent to God), among others.

Session Preparation:

To engage the students, I created presentations, quizzes, assignments, and activities on Indian art and culture. I was delighted to see the students' enthusiasm and receptivity to learning about Indian culture. I also distributed small gifts to the winners, which were handmade traditional items from India, procured from India Sustainability Lounge, WEF 2023, among others. Additionally, every attendee received a small booklet on 'Powers of the Mind' by Swami Vivekananda, which was inspired by my learnings from various courses at NRCVEE, IIT Delhi, and instrumental for the section on the discovery of the inner self.

Indian Goodies & Booklets at showcase (Darjeeling tea, Indian Silk Dupatta, Bamboo flask, etc.) The lessons were divided into four parts:

Part 1: Discovering the Rich Art and Culture of India

Part 2: Uncovering Connections: Indian and European Culture Compared

Part 3: Enhancing Focus and Concentration through Yoga and Meditation

Part 4: Exploring India: A Virtual Tour and Quiz Competition

Organisation of the Sessions: The lessons had distinct sections, each with a unique focus and purpose.

The first part provided an extensive overview of Indian art and culture, covering various aspects such as its rich heritage, festivals, languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food, and customs. Students were able to learn about the diverse cultural traditions and practices of India, gaining a deeper appreciation for its unique history and heritage.

The second part of the lessons focused on comparing Indian culture with German/European culture. This section explored the similarities between the two cultures, including Sanskrit and linguistic similarities, historical relations, and influences. By drawing connections between these two cultures, students were able to better understand and appreciate cultural diversity and recognise how cultures can influence and impact one another.

RGA Class Photograph after the sessions The third part of the lessons delved into practical classes on yoga and meditation, highlighting the numerous benefits of these practices for spiritual and mental well-being. Students were taught techniques for enhancing focus and concentration as a student, which can be applied both in their academic and personal lives.

Finally, the fourth part of the lessons included a virtual tour of India, followed by questions, assignments, and quizzes. The winners were rewarded with small gifts such as handmade traditional articles and items from India, while all attendees received a small booklet on 'Powers of the Mind' by Swami Vivekananda. This section served as a fun and interactive way for students to engage with the material they had learned throughout the project, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Indian culture and, ultimately, to inspire them explore new places and cultures abroad.

RGA School Project Co-ordinator Mr. Clemens Abs The project was a fantastic learning experience for me as I witnessed the power of cross-cultural exchange firsthand. I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Clemens Abs for his constant support throughout the project and the entire EmS Team for providing the platform to connect with students. The project was executed successfully, and it was incredibly rewarding to see students engage with the material and ask thoughtful questions that demonstrated a genuine interest in Indian culture.

The project reinforced my belief in the power of cross-cultural learning to broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the world around us. As an Indian student living in Germany, I had the opportunity to share my cultural heritage with German students, but I also learned so much from them about their country and culture. After the Sessions, they showed me around the school, which gave us a chance to know more about each other and intweract more freely.

In conclusion, representing Indian culture at the German School under the Europa macht Schule program as a DAAD KOSPIE Exchange Scholar was an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience. I hope that my project inspired the students to explore different cultures and continue their journeys abroad for learning and self-discovery. The Europa macht Schule program provides an invaluable platform for students to connect and learn from one another, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this project.