The German National Day reception this year presented a rare sight — the presence of two consuls general.
British deputy high commissioner Andrew Fleming
The hostess for the evening was, of course, the current incumbent, Barbara Voss, and the venue was the spacious lush lawn of the consulate. “I am very happy that we are celebrating this special day in our garden, which has a kind of personal feel to it,” she said.
German consul general Barbara Voss raises a toast with principal secretary Dushant Nariala, the state government representative
After her address, she graciously left the floor to her predecessor Manfred Auster and his wife to bid goodbye to the friends they had made during their stay in the city.
Australian consul general Rowan Ainsworth with her French counterpart Didier Talpain and his sister Brigitte
“I am happy that you took over the idea to use the magnificent garden. It is worth the little risk as far as the weather is concerned to celebrate in the open,” he said, signing off with auf wiedersehen (until we meet again). “That’s because we plan to be back on a private visit next year,” he said. “I am proud that the torch has been passed to a woman and I see Melinda (Pavek) and Rowan (Ainsworth) here too,” said Auster’s better half Amber Heimann, referring to the presence of the US and Australian consuls general in the audience, alongside Voss.
Manfred Auster, the immediate past consul general, says farewell along with wife Amber Heimann
The guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner catered by a team from Taj Bengal. The classical dance group Sanjog also performed on the occasion.