Article by Tr. Rashmi Choudhary (Accompanying Teacher) 

One highpoint of my life will always be the Indo–German Student Exchange Programme of which I was a part. When Sr. Nirmalini, our Principal told me that I had been selected by her to accompany the seventeen students of Carmel Convent School, Delhi to Germany, I felt on top of the world. The programme with St. Gertrudis school in Ellwangen had started in 2009 and I had already met Sr. Birgit, the Principal and Ms. Maria, the accompanying teacher, and been impressed by both of them.

Twenty of us, including Sr. Nirmalini, two teachers Mrs. Arti Malhotra and myself,and seventeen students left for Germany in the early hours of 2nd June. We were welcomed very warmly at the Stuttgart Airport by Sr. Birgit, Ms. Maria, Ms. Irmela ( the two teachers associated with the exchange programme) and the seventeen German students.

From the very next day, ie. 3rd June started a round of activities and a trip to Berlin, the capital city. It was a very well planned trip by the school authorities and we got to visit and see a number of places of historical and cultural interest. We visited the Indian Embassy at Berlin and met the ambassador, who happened to be my old school mate. Other places included the German Ministry of Defence, the Permagon and Aga Khan Museums, the awe inspiring Parliament building – the Bundstag, the Holocaust Memorial and remains of the Berlin wall. One particular place of interest was a visit to the Stasi Prison, the former Soviet Special camp and remand prison of the Ministry of State Security. We were also taken to some beautiful Churches, shopping centres, etc. We returned to Ellwangen late on Sunday, 6th June.

On Monday, 7th June we all were officially welcomed by the Principal, staff and students of St. Gertrudis, Sr. Birgit and Sr. Nirmalini addressed the audience and both stressed on the importance of such exchange programmes to promote inter-cultural dialogue for peace, understanding and harmony. A wonderful cultural programme was put up for us.

The Indian students had prepared very interesting and informative presentations of our school, our adopted village NUH, Haryana and other states of India in order to explain the history, art and culture of our country. The Indian students went to different classes and interacted with students of all age-groups, showing their presentations. They endeared themselves to all with their warmth, friendliness and willingness to answer all sorts of questions. The Indian students were able to remove a lot of misconceptions about India during their informal talks and interactive sessions. In between classroom sessions, a host of activities had been meticulously planned for all of us. We had a meeting with the Deputy. Mayor to Ellwangen, Mr. Karl Bux. We visited an Iron ore mine, a huge mill, home for handicapped children, the Newschwanstein Castle. A visit to the Daimler Benz Museum at Stuttgart was indeed a wonderful experience.

Days flew by and soon it was time to say goodbye. The Indian students had meticulously rehearsed for the farewell programme that was performed on 18th June in the morning for the school students and in the evening for the host families. The classical and folk dances, songs, fashion show and costumes left the audience spellbound. Each student gave a speech thanking their hosts for all that they had done for them to make their stay an excellent one. There were tears in many eyes that evening.

We two teachers too had an elevating experience which is beneficial for everyday living. The discipline, punctuality and thoroughness of the Germans impressed us all. Meeting the staff members, many of who invited us to their homes, interacting with the students, exchanging ideas that have helped us to absorb, learn and share, has been a fruitful experience. We all have forged relationships that transcend history, geography and culture. We all are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the German Principal, the two teachers and the seventeen students to Delhi on 29th October. We hop to give Sr. Birgit, Ms. Maria, Ms. Irmela and the students as good and interesting a time as they gave us. A heartfelt thanks to our Principal, Sr. Nirmalini for giving us this wonderful chance to grow and develop as individuals. It has reinforced that travel, meeting different people exchanging ideas helps to broaden our horizons.