Closing Conference: Über MIDA Hinaus

You are cordially invited to the closing conference of the DFG-funded long-term research project Das moderne Indien in deutschen Archiven 1706–1989 (MIDA), a collaboration between the Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS), University of Göttingen, Humboldt University Berlin, and the Leibniz Centre for the Modern Orient (ZMO).

The event begins on 1 July with a film screening at Kino Lumière:
The Sound of Friendship: Warm Wavelengths in a Cold, Cold War
Director: Dr. Anandita Bajpai
German/Hindi with English subtitles

The documentary explores the story of Radio Berlin International, East Germany’s international broadcaster (1967–1990), and its enduring connection with listeners in India. Travelling between the former Funkhaus in Nalepastraße, East Berlin, and Madhepura in Bihar, home to the famous “Lenin Club” of listeners, the film brings together former East German broadcasters and one of the station’s most enthusiastic listener communities.

Dr. Anandita Bajpai will be present for the screening.

Please reserve your ticket via the Lumière website. Admission is free.

The conference continues on 2–3 July at the Alte Mensa, Wilhelmsplatz, bringing together scholars from Germany and abroad to reflect on new directions in Indo-German history. Highlights include discussions of recently published books, panels on German-Indian scientific and cultural exchanges, and new research on the Rourkela steel plant, examining the cooperation, conflict, and competition that shaped one of the most significant Indo-German industrial projects of the twentieth century.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Download the schedule here.

Date: 1–3 July 2026