Hannover, Germany, 25 April 2006

The 'India Everywhere' campaign reached a high pitch on the opening day of the Hannover Messe 2006. A high-powered inauguration of the world's largest and most important technology fair by the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Chancellor of Germany, Dr. Angela Merkel marked the beginning of the festivities.

The opening ceremony occurred at the Hannover Congress Centre (Kuppelsaal) followed by a reception at the picturesque Niedersachsenhalle. The invitees savored Taj Hotel's celebrated Chef Hemant Oberoi's delectable selection of choicest Indian cuisine. Aditi Mangaldas & Troupe performed at the opening ceremony along with the "Drums of India" troupe.

The Prime Minister and Chancellor cut the ribbon at the 'India Pavilion' in front of a life-size rotating display of the Jantar Mantar and took a walk-through across the various booths.

This was followed by the Indo-German Business Summit organized by IBEF and APA at the Hannover Fair where the Heads of States addressed the CEOs from Germany and India leading to the signing of several major multi-billion dollar deals of German investment into India. The guests were treated to vignettes of Brand India on film at a reception hosted by IBEF at this summit.

The evening was marked by 'India Everywhere' and Fashionnova Fashion Shows with high energy performances by Indipop  singer Raghav Sachchar and fashion maestros – Manish Arora and Anamika Tandon – taking the audience on a trip to "Incredible !ndia", which reaffirmed that India is indeed Everywhere.

Raghav Sachchar belted tunes of popular Hindi songs to the audience delight while Manish Arora & Anamika Tandon weaved magic with the style & sensuality of their designs. A blend of the old and new, their collection was a mix of shirts, dresses and saris giving the audience taste of the Indian craft with leading models walking the ramp like Joey Mathews, Carol Garcias and others.

Manish's dresses were based on his eclectic Autumn Winter 2006/2007 collection taking inspiration from various themes – seasons, places and nature. From snowfall, to a comic character like Red Riding Hood, the city Varanasi, iconic symbols of London to festivals. Motifs that represented Christmas, hearts, angels, forests, plants, animals and mountains were all translated into his garments through embroidery and tapestry. True to his roots however, the collection also featured Sadhus meditating, Indian posters and Mughal motifs that reflect his beloved India. 

Luxurious fabrics like cashmere, jacquard, silks and silk velvets were used to form a variation of silhouettes – empire-line dresses and short dresses with a slight puffed hem, fitted regal jackets, capes and simpler sweaters and jumper pieces as well as his signature knee-length circular skirts decorated with brocade and intricate embroidery.

"We are here to provide a holistic experience of India to the participants, showcasing the different facets of the country – business, social and cultural. Hannover Messe 2006 further cements the mutually beneficial economic and cultural ties between India and Germany," said Mr. Kamal Nath, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

The day rounded off significantly well with the Chancellor of Germany, Dr. Angela Merkel accepting Dr. Manmohan Singh's invitation to visit India next year to see the country.

Showcasing the new face of India all over Hannover, the India Brand Equity Foundation is continuing with the "India Everywhere" campaign that drew the world's attention to the "fastest growing free market democracy" at Davos earlier this year.

India Everywhere at Hannover Messe 2006

India has been invited as the 'Partner Country' for the Hannover Technology Fair 2006 from 24 - 28 April 2006 after a gap of 22 years. A high profile delegation from a cross section of Government and India Inc is at Hanover, taking forward the 'India Everywhere' campaign from its previous stop at Davos in January 2006.

India has taken 11,500 sqm of space at the fair (the largest ever by a Partner Country). Over 320 companies, large as well as SMEs, such as Bharat Forge, Hero, TVS Group and Ashok Leyland amongst others along with five State Governments are participating at Hannover representing various sectors including Automotive, Energy, Engineering Services, Research & Development, Subcontracting, Digital Processes, Micro Technology and Science & Technology. The India Pavilion has an impressive array of displays highlighting India's prowess in these hi-tech sectors.

Not restricting India 's presence at Hannover to just business and investment, a kaleidoscope of authentic Indian culture, cuisine, music and dance is one of the key highlights at the fair.

More information and photographs on 'India Everywhere at Hannover' is   available on www.indiaathannover.org.