By TN Ashok / Diplomatic Editor
New Delhi, Oct 03 : A replica of the infamous Berlin Wall was dismantled by distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps in the capital led by German Ambassador Michael Steiner at his residence this evening as the day marked the 25th anniversary of the fall of the 106km long boundary wall that virtually divided eastern Europe from western Europe besides tormenting families in Germany.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guPcD8wKzu0
Steiner, who began his address to guests at his residence in chanakyapuri by extending dussera greetings in Hindi, recalled those turbulent days in Germany when the wall came crumbling down. He also narrated his own personal experience as press attaché at the FRG embassy in Prague, Czechoslovakia, when he heard the German foreign minister Hans Dietrich Genscher announce from the embassy’s balcony to a huge gathering that the Germanys would unite soon and that the dividing lines between eastern and western Europe would soon blur bringing hope , peace and prosperity.
The foreign minister’s words were virtually drowned in cheers as the wall started crumbling in autumn of 1989. The atmosphere was electric and “ it sent shivers down my spine”, Steiner recalled as thousands of east german refugees had huddlged together in the small premises under the most difficult conditions.
“Tthey knew there was no way back , once they had climbed over the fence . But their desire for freedom was stronger than their fear of the uncertain”, he said.
“ Since then 25 years have passed . I remember these days as some of the happiest for my country and me personally . I am happy that a generation of young Germans has had in the meantime the chance to grow up in a unified Germany”, he said as the replica wall was dismantled by him joined in by the distinguished guests.
As Berlin once again became vibrant with the capital shifting from Bonn , the ramp on which the Berlin Wall stood soon became a cat walk to let models pass by as if to reflect the new ethos of millions of young in a unified Germany with Berlin standing out as the trendsetting metropolis.
Ms Marina Horsmanseder , an Austrian born Berlin settled Fashion Designer, fresh from her success of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) show in July this year in Germany, unveiled her latest designs with her penchant for leather belts dominating the attires displayed by the svelte models of a multi-racial fashion world of Europe.
Marina should really be referred to as an artist, because that’s what her garments are… pure art. In the ‘fashion’ industry Marina is fast becoming known for her impeccable leather work and her stand out collections are getting noticed by all the right people, including the likes of Vogue & Lady Gaga just to name a few, an Australia based fashion designer commented on her works.
“Berlin is my inspirational playground, where everything seems to be allowed and accepted. I am very proud to bring this Avant Garde fashion to India. My fashion is very different from India’s classic style. This is a great challenge for me”, Marina told DiplomacyIndia.com.
“Since I already visited India before it’s safe to say that there are not a lot of places like this, where you get impressive and various inspirations in front of your eyes – the people, the colours, the materials…. As an artist you are getting stunned and you bubble with inspirations”, she said.
“Some of my pieces have been associated with shields, Yes; I do want to give women courage and self-confidence by wearing fashionable yet feminine armour. I truly hope this venture also finds an echo in India”, she said.
The nearly 40 minute fashion show was coordinated by Berlin’s leading RJ Alexander Boese , who said Berlin today was a very colorful and vibrant city as the cultural imprint and shapes were formed by epochs and migrants from all over the world. This created particular charm – French, Yiddish, American, Russian and Asian ….. All of that is Berlin today.
“The whole world talks about it as one of the most exciting urban hubs. And when in Berlin, you can dive into its playground. That is, at least, what we have in common with New York”, he said.
Recalling that fateful day of November 09, 1989, when the “Mauerfall” happened, he said, I was head over heels in love….. “. In the weeks that followed, he said, he supported the efforts of the vice Mayor Ingrid Stahmer in welcoming and accommodating the new stream of visitors to Berlin.
“Like the Pied Piper of Hamlin, I ran through the streets, having a tow line of fresh citizens following me. We were on the way to the next Welcome Payment Office”, he said.