The entire class of 30 Kendriya Vidyalaya students who won the ‘Germany on my mind’ competition had an additional bonus – an opportunity to meet both the German Chancellor and the Indian Prime Minister in Berlin.

The German National Tourist Office, India co-sponsored visit let the students experience Berlin and its surroundings, understand the German way of life and the culture.

The children who met Dr. Manmohan Singh and Angela Merkel were winners of German language competition organized in February this year. German is currently being taught in about 300 branches of Kendriya Vidyalaya as part of Indo-German initiative to promote the language in India.

Romit Theophilus, Director Sales & Marketing, The German National Tourist Office, India, said “We are delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative which gives an opportunity to young children learning the language to experience the country first hand. These children will now on return be our best brand ambassadors for the destination. We would be delighted to co-participate on such initiatives in the future as well”.

KV Students Anamika and Nitesh from the contingent said that they are amazed at how beautiful and happening Berlin actually is. “The public transportation system is wonderful and we had a blast at the Legoland theme park and Madam Tussauds”. Deepmala observed Berliners obsession with fitness as she found them jogging and cycling around even in such low temperatures.

The German National Tourist Office promotional theme for the year 2013 is ‘Germany for young people’ focusing on attracting the youth to destination Germany through various marketing initiatives. 2012 witnessed a high overnight stay of 5,84,508 by Indians in Germany making it one of their favorite European destinations.