The Czech Republic has a long tradition of high-quality higher education dating back over 600 years. It offers affordable tuition fees and living costs compared to other European countries and North America. Several top Czech universities feature highly in global and regional rankings, including Charles University, the Czech Technical University in Prague, Masaryk University, and Palacký University. International students are attracted to study diverse English-taught programs in fields like engineering, sciences, arts and more. The application process involves applying directly to chosen universities, providing admission and financial documents.

1. advertorialoctober 28, 2016
Capital: Prague (also the largest
city)
Other Major Cities: Brno,
Ostrava, Plzeň, Liberec, Olomouc,
Ústí nad Labem
Government: Unitary
Parliamentary Constitutional
Republic
President: Miloš Zeman
Prime Minister: Bohuslav Sobotka
Foundation of Independent
Czechoslovak State: October
28, 1918
Anthem: Kde domov muj (Where
Is My home?)
Area: Total 78,866 sq km (30,450
sq mi)
Population: 10,553,443 (2015
estimate)
Ethnic Groups: 64% Czechs,
26% unspecified, 5
% Moravians, 1.4% Slovaks,
0.4% Poles
GDP (PPP): Total $ 189.982
billion (2016 estimate)
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
1 Czech Koruna = 0.040 US Dollar
1 Czech Koruna = 2.70 Indian
Rupees
National Flower: Rose
National Animal: Double-Tailed
Lion (Mythical)
Patron Saint: St. Wenceslaus
Time Zone: GMT +2
Internet TLD:.cz
Calling Code:+420
Driving: On the right
Czech Republic at a glance
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe, bordered by
Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east and
Poland to the northeast. A developed country with an advanced, high
income economy, the Czech Republic has the lowest unemployment
rate in the European Union. It is known for its ornate castles, native
beers and long history. Prague, the capital, is home to grand 9th-century
Prague Castle, a preserved medieval old town and statue-lined Charles
Bridge. Český Krumlov, a small town in the South Bohemia region, is
notable for its wealth of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings,
many of which house restaurants and shops.
I
ndia’s love affair with the Czech
Republic began before we probably
even knew it. In all likelihood, a good
numberof us–menandwomenalike
–would’vetakenanearlyshinetothe
ubiquitous Bata shoes we first wore to
school, little knowing that the company
that made it was based in a little town
called Zlín, Moravia, in Czechoslovakia,
a country that was just starting to shake
off the shackles of communism.
Thus India's trade links with
Czechoslovakia pre-date India’s
Independence: Bata Works had 120
Czechoslovak nationals employed in
Calcutta even in the 1930s. Over the
four decades since independence,
Czechoslovakia was a major economic
partner,establishinganumberof major
industrial projects in India in fields of
energy, metallurgy, machine tools and
in defence. With the formation of the
Czech Republic on January 1, 1993, the
switchtopaymentsinfreelyconvertible
currencies and the liquidation of large
state owned companies in the Czech
Republic led to a decline in trade. But
new mechanisms to address trade
and economic challenges were put in
place. The results are encouraging and
bilateral trade as also investments are
on the upswing.
During the last fifty years, Czech
companies have made approximately a
hundred capital equipment deliveries
to India which, in many cases, have
led to the emergence of new Indian
industries, such as the manufacture
of tractors, steam turbines, industrial
boilers and motorcycles, and the
establishment of engineering
metallurgy plants. Traditionally, Czech
companies have also supplied India
with diesel generators, machine-tools,
textile machinery, printing machinery,
and food-processing technology.
In India, the Czech Republic is
largely associated with the traditional
Škodabrand.Inthepast,thisbrandwas
mainly linked to the heavy engineering
industry, but in recent times Škoda
cars have become one the best-known
products in the Indian market. The
rapid export growth following the
launch of sales of the Škoda Octavia,
assembled locally in Aurangabad,
a-decade-and-a-half ago was a turning
point in the development of external
trade between the two countries.
A number of Czech companies
and experts have worked with Heavy
Engineering Corporation. Škoda
Power has been a technology licensor
to BHEL. Jawa established itself
strongly in Indian market with its
popular Yezdi model. Even now, the
Czech Republic is spontaneously
associated in India with world-famous
Czech brands, such as Škoda, Tatra,
Bata, Bonatrans, Vítkovice or Zetor.
Likewise, Indian companies from
sectors like IT, textile, pharmaceutical
and auto-components are establishing
themselves in the Czech Republic due
to exceptional engineering skills of
Czech labour and relatively low wages
compared to other European countries.
The Czech Republic is also considered
the best choice for investments in
transport and logistics. As first came
Infosys, which established its presence
in Brno and is getting contracts from
Czech and international companies.
Many Indian experts are working for
Czechorinternationalcompaniesinthe
Czech Republic in the IT sector, finance,
banking etc. Other Indian companies
well-rooted in the Czech Republic
include Glenmark Pharmaceuticals,
Arcelor Mittal, Ashok Leyland,
Shriram and Alok Industries.
The fact of the matter is: India is one
of Czech Republic's most important
trade partners in Asia today. It also
plays a prominent role from the global
perspective, figuring among the top
twelve priority countries for Czech
exports. Czech companies are emerging
as major investors in energy and
finance sector, they are also bidding for
infrastructural and industrial projects
in India. Other main thriving sectors of
bilateral cooperation are engineering,
IT, medical equipment, chemicals and
pharmaceuticals, bio-technology and
nanotechnology, science and technology
which offer opportunities for flow of
trade and investment.
An affair
to rememberIt all began even before the Czech Republic
became an independent state and India’s own
independence. The trade partnership between
the two nations that was ignited nearly a century
ago is still burning bright. It’s an affair that has
withstood the test of time…

2. T
his little gem of a country
called the Czech Republic,
due to its strategic
geographic location of
being at an intersection
of many cultures formed by
Slavonic, German, Austrian
and Jewish influence, has a
rich cultural heritage and a
colourful life. Today, nearly 42,000
international students from all
over the world study in the Czech
Republic. Of these, only a few are
Indian - currently, approximately
193 students in higher education.
The Czech Republic is fast
becoming a popular destination
for overseas students. It scores
over other countries due to
affordable tuition fees in notable
universities and cost-effective
boarding, living and out-of-pocket
expenses. For fee-paying students,
the fees are almost half of what it
is in the US, the UK, Canada and
Australia.
The Czech education system
consists of pre-primary, i.e.,
nursery schools; a compulsory
education for at least nine years
up to the age of 15. This is followed
by a secondary education or a
school-leaving examination; and
then comes university education.
Czech higher education dates
as far back as 600 years. The
oldest university in Prague
was founded by the Holy
Roman Emperor King Charles
IV in 1348. Charles University in
Prague had a chair in Sanskrit
established as far back as 1850.
The Institute of Indian Studies
at Charles University continues
the tradition of Indology with
students learning various Indian
languages – Sanskrit, Tamil,
Hindi and Bengali as well as
studying Indian literature,
history and culture.
The Oriental Institute, set up in
1922 under the Czech Academy of
Sciences, also has a long tradition
of research in Indian languages,
literature, history, culture and
politics. An Indian chair in Hindi
language has been established at
CharlesUniversityrecently.Ajoint
declaration between India and the
Czech Republic for cooperation in
the education sector was signed
in April 2009. Charles University
offers facilities for high-quality
research especially in the sciences,
engineering and medicine.
APPLICATION
PROCESS
On completion of a full school-
leaving curriculum, certificate
or examination, international
students can apply to a Czech
university of their choice for
further studies. There is generally
no entrance exam. However,
the applicants’ examination or
degree obtained overseas must be
accredited.
Students coming from India
have to apply well in advance to
the local Czech Embassy based
in New Delhi for a student visa.
The admission procedure for
Indian students is the same as
for admission to the US, the UK
or elsewhere. Proof of admission
and proof of financial resources
supported by bank statements,
health insurance cover, etc, are
essential with any application.
Themainmediumof instruction
in the country has been the
Czech language all these years.
However, the past few years
have seen the slow, yet steady
rise of English as the official
language of communication
across the world. English, today,
is becoming the prime medium
of instruction.
Higher education is considered
to be at the level of Bachelor’s and
Master’s followed by a doctorate
or a PhD on presentation of
a dissertation. Bachelor’s
programmes run for three or
four years followed by a final
state-level exam after which job
opportunities are available to non-
European Union (EU) students.
Masters programmes can
be continued straight after the
Bachelor’s and can range from
one to three years in length. This
follows the same procedure as
a final state-level examination
on completion of the course.
Students can also study MBA
programmes offered by Czech
universities. Some of these are
affiliated with leading American
universities.
The Czech system assesses the
study and there is a system of
credits similar to other countries
in the Western world. Transfer of
credits is also allowed like in the
rest of the leading educational
institutions of the West. A
semester system is followed
similar to that of other countries.
WORK RULES
Students who are EU citizens do
not require work permits and
have the same legal status to work
as Czech Republic citizens. Non-
EU students can find employment
but work permit formalities have
to be completed. While studying,
the work permit issued cannot
affect the quality of studies as
the prime purpose of gaining
admission at the university is to
study.
After completing their studies,
if students wish to continue to
stay in the Czech Republican
employee card has to be applied
for. Career centres can help in
locating appropriate jobs.
Today, with countries like
the UK tightening immigration
rules relating to study and work
for Indian students, a number
of European nations are taking
a step forward by introducing
high-level technical and art
courses with English as the
medium of instruction. Rules
for students are more relaxed
vis-a-vis work permits. Germany
has taken the lead and the Czech
Republic and France are not far
behind.
A robust
education system
Why study in the Czech Republic
With affordable tuition fees and cost-effective boarding and lodging, the
Czech Republic is fast becoming a popular destination for overseas students,
says Rashmi Jolly, Hon. Consul of Czech Republic for Maharashtra & Goa
Got queries about the higher education system, study opportunities and
students’ life in the Czech Republic? We got all the answers for you...
Rashmi Jolly,
Hon. Consul of Czech Republic
for Maharashtra & Goa
Palacký University, Olomouc, is
a university with long-standing
tradition. Founded in the 16th
century, it is the oldest university
in Moravia and the second-oldest
university in the Czech Republic.
Today it is a modern higher
education facility with a wide range
of study programmes and copious
scientific and research activities.
Almost 22,000 students are enrolled
at its 8 faculties. It is one of the very
top Czech universities, and a new
entry in the global ranking this year
at 651-700. It also features at 59th in
the EECA ranking.
Top ranking
universities
D
ating back some 600 years,
the Czech higher education
system today comprises
more than 70 universities,
of which about two-thirds
are private. A total of 12 universities
in the Czech Republic feature in
the top 200 of the QS University
Rankings: EECA 2016 – a dedicated
ranking of top universities in
Emerging Europe and Central Asia
– and five of these are included in
the QS World University Rankings
2016/17.
Charles University
Czech Technical University
Masaryk University
Brno University of Technology
Palacký University
The highest-ranked university in the
Czech Republic, Charles University
places fourth in the EECA rankings. It was
established in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV
and remains the country’s largest university,
with 17 faculties and more than 51,400
students. It’s a popular choice among
international students travelling to the
country, and its internationalization program
currently includes partnerships with almost
200 universities worldwide. The campus of
the medieval institute is located in Prague,
only adding to its appeal. The Czech capital,
hugely popular among tourists, offers an
attractive and lively setting, alongside
various work opportunities.
Also located in Prague, the Czech
Technical University was founded
in 1707, and is another of the
country’s oldest and largest academic
institutions. It’s the Czech Republic’s
second ranked university in the EECA
rankings at joint 7th place. The Czech
Technical University in Prague has
eight faculties, which offer more
than 100 degree programs, mainly
in engineering and related fields.
Around 24,000 students are currently
enrolled, at both undergraduate and
postgraduate level. The university
prides itself in having many world-
renowned alumni throughout the
years of its existence; among the
most famous is physicist Christian
Doppler, namesake of the “Doppler
effect”.
The second largest public university
in the country, Masaryk University is
located in the second largest city, Brno.
Established in 1919, it is a member of
the Compostela Group of Universities
and the Utrecht Network, both of which
seek to foster collaboration between
universities across Europe. It is currently
ranked 10th in the EECA rankings and
teaches over 35,800 students in nine
faculties. The university offers programs
taught in English and German, making it
an obvious choice for many international
students.
Also located in Brno, Brno
University of Technology
was founded in 1899 and
is ranked 19th in the EECA
rankings. Initially the university
offered a single course in
civil engineering, but has
progressively grown into a
major academic institute,
with over 24,000 students
enrolled at eight faculties. To
support internationalization,
Brno University of Technology
participates in EU projects
such as Erasmus, Tempus, Leonardo and
others. It offers a selection of English-taught
programs from undergraduate through to
PhD level, most within its main focus area of
engineering.
Why should I choose the Czech
Republic for studies?
The Czech Republic is an
increasingly popular destination
for international study, with over
42.000 international students
currently enrolled here. There
are many reasons for those
choosing to study in the Czech
Republic: long tradition of quality
education, diverse range of study
programmes, location in the heart
of Europe, affordable tuition fees
and lower costs of living, and last
but not least, a colourful cultural
experience and fascinating history.
What kind of higher education
institutions are there in the
Czech Republic?
In terms of the founder, higher
education institutions can be
public, state and private. In
terms of the study programmes
they offer, higher education
institutions may be non-
university and university type.
Non-university institutions
offer mainly Bachelor’s study
programmes. They can also
offer Master’s programmes,
but not Doctoral programmes.
Universities may offer all types
of study programmes and carry
out associated scholarly, research,
developmental, artistic or other
creative activities.
Is there a central organization
through which applications are
processedordoeseachuniversity
accept applications separately?
Each university accepts its
applications separately. Each
university has its own application
forms which can be found on their
websites.
Are there English-taught study
programmes in the Czech
Republic?
There are many study
programmes and courses taught
in English. You can download
a List of English-taught study
programmes offered by Czech
universities and choose the right
study programme for you.
What are the tuition fees for
international students?
If you choose to study in the
Czech language, Higher education
at public and state institutions is
free of charge for citizens of all
nationalities. However, if you
wish to study in English or any
other language, the tuition fees
differ from 0-22,350 USD per year
and the amount depends on the
relevant institution and study
programme. There are several
courses taught in English or in
another foreign language.
How can students find their
accommodation?
The majority of higher education
institutions own its dormitories.
Look for ‘koleje’ or ‘dormitories’
on web pages of the institutions.
But if you prefer to live on your
own, you can rent a flat or only a
room in a shared flat.
What are the expected living
expenses for a foreign student?
Living costs in the Czech Republic
are considered to be affordable.
The average living costs of
students range from 350-750 USD
per month, inclusive of meals,
accommodation, public transport
and culture. Of course, prices may
vary according to your location,
accommodation choices, lifestyle,
and spending habits.
The International Student
Identity Card (ISIC) card is a
must for all students. It allows
cardholderstogetstudentdiscounts
for transport, restaurants, cinemas,
museums, exhibitions and
concerts. Students coming to the
Czech Republic should obtain an
ISIC card at their home university
or in their home country.
Can I work while or after
studying?
Many students work and study at
the same time. Having a part-time
joborsummerworkisverycommon
in the Czech Republic. There are
working options for international
students. Just be prepared that the
job offer may be limited due to the
factthatmostjobsrequirefluencyin
the Czech language. However, there
are many international companies
operating in big cities, where your
ability to speak or understand
various languages can be a plus.

3. Prague, the capital city of the
Czech Republic, is bisected by the
Vltava River. Nicknamed ‘City of a
Hundred Spires’, it’s known for its
Old Town Square, the heart of its
historic core, with colorful baroque
buildings, Gothic churches and
the medieval Astronomical
Clock, which gives an animated
hourly show. Completed in 1402,
pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined
with statues of Catholic saints.
Rising above the city on a steep hill,
9th-century Prague Castle is now
the seat of the Czech President.
The Castle’s St. Vitus Cathedral
includes windows designed by art-
nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha.
The city’s former Jewish Quarter
is home to the Old-New Synagogue,
Europe’s oldest active Jewish
house of worship, and the Old
Jewish Cemetery, with thousands
of vertically stacked graves. New
Town’s main boulevard is lively
Wenceslas Square, where art-
nouveau buildings house shops
and cafes. Letná Park, with views
over Prague’s bridges and red
rooftops, has a large beer garden.
‘Bilateral trade is
the backbone of our
economic relations’In a no-holds-barred interview with The Indian Express,
Milan Hovorka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to India
explains why bonds between the two countries run deep and strong.
Located smack dab in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is
a country that's renowned for its ornate castles, old cathedrals,
quaint little towns, Baroque buildings and native beers. Relations between India and
the Czech Republic date back
to even before diplomatic ties
were established in 1947. There
was Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to
Prague in 1938...
I want to underline the point that
you just made that bilateral relations
date back substantially before (the
then) Czechoslovakia established
diplomatic relations with India in
1947. We will be marking the 70th
Anniversary of our association
next year. In fact, foreign relations
between the Czech Republic and
India were established in 1921 with
a Czech consulate in Mumbai.
The beginning of the ‘90s saw
some important milestones with
India’s policy of opening up the
economy to the outside world. At
the same time in Czechoslovakia,
we embarked upon the process of
fundamental, social and economic
changes. Even after the country
split in two in 1993, high level
visits between the Czech Republic
and India have been maintained
on a regular basis. Then came our
membership in the European Union
(2004), which represented another
important impetus to strengthening
our relations.
Thus, our bonds with India run
deep, both in time and substance.
As Ambassador of the Czech
Republic to India, I am committed to
strengthening our relations. I am very
passionate in doing my utmost to take
this relationship to a higher level.
The Czech Republic is one of the
leading trading partners of India
among the new member states of
the European Union. How do you
view this economic relationship?
Make no mistake about it, the Czech
Government ranks India among the
12 priority countries for promotion
of mutual commercial investment.
And that’s because we can perfectly
relate to and understand each other
very well.
For almost four decades, the
Czech Republic has been one of the
leading trading partners of India.
Our economic and commercial ties
date back to the beginning of the
20th century. Bilateral trade has
traditionally been the backbone
of our economic relations. Both
India and the Czech Republic have
continued efforts for strengthening
these relations through frequent
exchange of trade and business
delegations. Today, bilateral trade
stands at 1.3 billion USD. And for
the first time in our long history of
economic relations, the balance of
bilateral trade is ever so slightly
tilted in India’s favour. But I am
happy to see that on both sides we
have companies that are ever so
keen to strengthen existing ties and
establish new businesses. It is a two-
way avenue.
Can you elaborate a little on that?
Indian companies are doing
extremely well in the Czech Republic.
If you look at trade data for the first
eight months of 2016, you’ll see a 16%
increase from the previous year. This
is a key piece of evidence that the
Czech economy is doing extremely
well and that it is creating trade and
investment opportunities, not only
for local domestic companies but also
for our foreign investors. I am pleased
that a number of Indian companies
have taken the decision to enter
the Czech market and develop their
business activities in various sectors,
be it automobiles, textiles, food
processing, pharmaceuticals or IT.
At the same time, we are following
closely what is going on in India. We
are considering ways and means to
be part of your vision here. Czech
firms have participated in the
development of India’s industrial
potential, mainly by deliveries of
equipment for the power industry,
engineering and other sectors.
Given the competence of Czech
companies, we are seeking to
establish to what extent can they fit
the initiatives that have been put in
place here – whether it is ‘Make in
India’, ‘Smart Cities’, ‘Digital India’,
‘Green India’, start-ups, etc. These
are all areas where we believe we
can be very good partners to India.
Importantly, Czech companies
realise that India is a price sensitive
country. And since Czech companies
are price competitive, they have
been able to strike a proper balance
between quality and price.
There is one area of concern for
me though. Quite often we import
your products via intermediaries in
European countries. The point I am
making is: Why don’t we streamline
bilateral relations? Why don’t we
develop direct partners for India in
the Czech Republic and vice versa?
In today’s areas of global value
chains, this is a critical factor.
Among the member states of
the EU, your country has one of
the lowest unemployment rates.
Why is that?
We have a low unemployment rate
because the Czech Republic belongs
to the fastest growing economies
in Europe today. It is one of the
most industrialised countries, with
the highest industry-to-GDP ratio
(about 30%). And I believe that we
have reached this level because we
have been able to learn lessons from
our past, which was not necessarily
positive. But even in that period
of transformation, we have been
deploying tremendous efforts
to encourage dialogue between
different segments of the society,
with employers on one side and
employees on the other. Today, the
Czech Republic has developed an
advanced high-income social market
economy and social policies that
support a welfare state. Since the
1990s, the country has become the
most stable and prosperous of the
post-Communist states of Europe.
There is one more element which
might be of interest to you. With
‘Make in India’, you are also making
efforts to transform this country
into a manufacturing hub. That
is a good sign. If you have strong
industrial fundamentals, you will be
able to weather the consequences of
any global economic crisis.
Despite having some world class
universities, the number of
overseas students is relatively low,
especially Indian students. How
are you planning to address this?
Today, the Czech Republic is an
increasingly popular destination for
international study, with over 42,000
foreign students currently enrolled
at its universities. EU statistics
released in last year list our country
as the 12th most popular study
destination for students in Europe.
There are certainly many perks for
those choosing to study in the Czech
Republic: well-esteemed universities,
affordable tuition fees and living
costs, and last but not least, a vibrant
and colourful cultural life.
But having said that, our
universities need to be promoted
more widely. As Ambassador, I am
taking important strides to promote
Czech education. Only recently
we organised a Higher Education
Fair in New Delhi wherein seven
Czech universities participated.
The objective was to promote direct
interaction with prospective Indian
students. On our webpage, we have
a section dedicated to studying in
the Czech Republic. It is very user-
friendly. Interested students can
easily identity the areas of their
interest and explore possibilities.
All in all, I believe we have a lot to
offer. And I believe in the years to
come we will have more students
from India.
What about tourism? How do you
plan to draw Indian tourists to
the Czech Republic??
I can tell you that the numbers are
growing. But first and foremost, we
have to build the brand of the Czech
Republic. How many people know
that we have 12 UNESCO-listed World
Heritage sites, often referred to as
the 12 Czech Wonders of the World?
On its part, the Embassy actively
promotes the Czech Republic as
the ideal tourism destination for
Indian tourists. Since my arrival,
I opened six new Visa Application
Centres. Earlier we had none. So
when people wanted to travel to the
Czech Republic, they had to go to
New Delhi to apply for a Visa. Today,
we have Visa Application Centres
in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad,
Bengaluru and Kolkata. Now the
plan is to have a few more before the
year-end. Also, I have established
the practice of regular contact with
local tour operators. We invite them
to join us from time to time, to hear
from them and get their feedback.
My one regret is that there is
no dedicated agency for Czech
tourism in India today. But it is my
endeavour to restore our tourism
department to promote tourism
on a day-to-day basis. Also, we
don’t have direct flights between
the two countries (though we did
until the early ‘90s). But given the
regular traffic comprising students,
tourists, businesses, workforce and
air cargo, I believe sooner than later
the situation will correct itself.
Has Bollywood helped in
promoting Czech Republic as a
tourist destination?
No question about it! Let me tell you:
we’ve had over 150 Hollywood films
shot in the Czech Republic, including
‘Mission Impossible’. But I am
Ambassador to India, and I would like
to see more films from India shot in
my country – and I am talking not just
about Bollywood, but also regional
cinema. Indian cinema presents us a
unique opportunity to showcase our
country to a billion people. For us,
it is not just about economic value,
but it also benefits those who live
in the areas where films are being
shot. Just last month, we hosted top
Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and
Anushka Sharma, who shot for ‘The
Ring’ in Prague. What better brand
ambassadors can we ask for? When
the film is released next year, we will
arrange for a series of activities to
promote the Czech Republic.
I can’t let you go without you
telling us something about your
charismatic first President
Václav Havel. He is, after all,
one of the rare recipients of two
prestigious Indian awards – the
Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize
and the Indira Gandhi Peace
Prize...
President Václav Havel was a Czech
writer, philosopher and statesman,
and is considered to be one of the
most important intellectuals of
the 20th century. From 1989 to 1992,
he served as the last President of
Czechoslovakia. He then served
as the first President of the Czech
Republic (1993–2003). He visited
India twice – in 1994 and 2004. On
the last occasion, he was awarded
the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize
by the Government of India for his
outstanding contribution towards
world peace and upholding human
rights, and for keeping alive the
flame of democracy when his
country was under communist rule.
Upon his death, the international
airport in Prague was renamed
to Václav Havel Airport in 2012.
If you look at the Embassy’s
Facebook profile, you will see a
beautiful picture of President
Havel with India’s then President,
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was
an inspirational leader as well.
Even so, I believe, in his lifetime,
President Havel did a lot for our
country and for the community
of democratic states to which
both India and the Czech Republic
definitely belong.
E
arlier this year, a
concert tour of a Czech
Philharmonic Orchestra
was organised in India – the
first such in 57 years! The
Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic
performed in fully sold concert
halls in Mumbai and Kolkata
under the baton of conductor
Maestro Debashish Chaudhuri,
who is originally from India.
Chaudhuri’s musical
experience and expression is a
unique blend – born in Calcutta
and living in Central Europe
for the last 14 years. He has a
rich European repertoire, 15
years of professional experience
with various orchestras and 19
years of professional teaching
experience. His passion for the
search of symphonic music
that is either inspired by India
and Asia or written by Asian
composers has enabled him
to premiere several original
works to critical acclaim. A
true follower of the legendary
Indian Maestro Zubin Mehta,
he firmly believes that Western
and Eastern musical cultures in
their purest and highest form
though totally different in their
conception, can communicate
with people.
During the concerts, held
under the auspices of the
Minister of Foreign Affairs and
of the Minister of Culture of the
Czech Republic, the audience
enjoyedmusicwrittenbyBedrich
Smetana, Petr I. Tchaikovsky,
Antonin Dvorak and Ludwig
van Beethoven. Before that,
the Philharmonic played the
National Anthems of India
and the Czech Republic, whose
interpretation was amazing.
Chaudhuri and his piano soloist
wife Jana Chaudhuri, received a
long standing ovation.
A sight for
sore eyes
Prague
Ceský Krumlov is a city in the South Bohemia
region of the Czech Republic. It is bisected by the
Vltava River, and dominated by its 13th-century
castle. The castle has Gothic, Renaissance and
baroque elements, an 11-hectare garden and an
original 17th-century baroque theater. There
are panoramic views of the old town and the
river from the top of its round bell-tower. Český
Krumlov’s old town, or Latrán neighborhood,
has narrow cobblestone lanes, footbridges and
restored Gothic and Renaissance frescoes on
building facades. The Church of St. Vitus has its
own 15th-century frescoes. The Egon Schiele Art
Centrum displays works by the Viennese artist,
who was a resident in the early 20th century. The
Regional Museum traces local history, and has
a 19th-century model of the city. Exploring the
river by kayak or on traditional wooden rafts is
a popular summer pastime. Riverside pubs serve
renowned Czech beers.
Český Krumlov
Brno
The city of Brno is known for its modernist
buildings, like the restored Villa Tugendhat,
completed in 1930 by architect Mies van der
Rohe. The medieval Špilberk Castle houses a
city museum, gardens and a former prison with
vaulted tunnels. The Cathedral of St. Peter and
Paul has baroque altars, a 14th-century statue
of the Madonna and Child, and city views from
its steeple. A major art collection dating back to
the 14th century fills the Moravian Gallery in
the Governor’s Palace. Nearby is the Moravian
Museum, with exhibits of regional history and
culture from prehistoric to modern times. The
Technical Museum in Brno has a collection
ranging from vehicles to electron microscopes and
music machines. The St. James Church Ossuary is
a large burial complex with the bones and skulls
of victims of wars and plagues. Nearby, tours with
guides in period costumes explore the ‘Labyrinth
Under the Cabbage Market’, an underground
network of cellars below the still-functioning
marketplace.
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is a spa town in the west
Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Its numerous
thermal springs have made it a popular resort since
the 19th century. The riverside spa district is home
to several colonnades with columned walkways.
The modern Hot Spring Colonnade houses the
Pramen Vřídlo geyser, which spouts up to 12 meters
high. The neo-Renaissance Mill Colonnade, a town
symbol, also hosts summer concerts. There are
baroque Eucharist sculptures in the grand, twin-
steepled 1730s Church of Mary Magdalene. Its
crypt has an ossuary made from skeletal remains
in its former cemetery. The Moser Glass Museum
explores local glassmaking history, and stages
demonstrations. A cellar tour of the Jan Becher
Museum traces the production of the town’s herbal
liqueur, Becherovka. Numerous hiking trails follow
the Ohře River valley and wind through surrounding
forest. Several lookout towers, including Friendship
Hill’s Diana Tower, have far-reaching views.
Karlovy Vary
Debashish
Chaudhuri
The Indian
connection