Indo-German Teachers Association inaugurated in Pune

Pune, Nov 15 (UNI) Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education chairperson Vijaysheela Sardesai inaugurated the Indo-German Teachers Association (IGTA) for the Western Zone here.

The other dignitaries present on the occasion were eminent scientist Dr Vijay Bhatkar, president of the IGTA Pramod Talgeri and Pune Maxmueller Bhavan director Michael Flutch.

Speaking after the inauguration yesterday, Mr Flutch said ''The Indo-German relationship in the field of education has been age-old.

The Association will strive to continue to make it more vibrant and viable to take to the common masses on either side to understand the heritage and culture.'' He pointed out that the Indian languages have been taught in Germany for long time. ''The University of Bonn has been teaching Sanskrit since 1818. Even in Munich, Hindi films and books are very popular,'' Mr Flutch said.

''We are getting good response from the students and the German government is also giving scholarships to the Indian students,'' he added.

Talking to mediapersons, Mr Talgeri said ''Our main objective is to promote teaching of German language in India.'' He said Lokmanya Tilak and Gopal Ganesh Agarkar introduced the German language in India. Pune was the first city in the country where German language department was established in 1911.

The Association has been providing online teaching of German language in remote areas of India. Currently, there are around 5,000 students who are learning German language in the city, he added.

UNI SP ZA ARB KN1714