Peace Table 2003

In 2003, the Peace Table was dedicated to India and Pakistan. About 3000 Nuremberg citizens made use of the opportunity to meet the awardees in person, to celebrate with them and to find out something about their home countries and their cultures – in discussions, readings, music and dance.

Awardees Teesta Setalvad and Ibn Abdur Rehman, as well as jury members informed listeners about the human rights situation in India and Pakistan, reported on the political situation between the two states and discussed the international political situation after the Iraq War.

A large variety of artists gave an impression of the fascinating culture of India and Pakistan. Abida Parveen, on the stage on Kornmarkt, entranced the public with her interpretation of Qawwali music. Pandit Budhaditya Mukerhjee on the sitar and Niti Ranjan Biswas on the tabla performed classical Indian music. The supreme art of classical Indian dance was also demonstrated on the occasion of the Peace Table: Monuzae Jahangir performed the Kathak dance with great sensitivity and expression. Children and adults alike were enchanted by the skilled narratives of storyteller Dr. Pronab Mazumdar who brought alive the richness and diversity of far-away worlds with his poetic stories.
Actors Erich Ude and Patricia Litten invited their audience on a poetic journey through India and Pakistan. A panel discussion on "Flight with heavy baggage" and an exhibition of photographic calendars rounded off the event.
In addition the food representing the cuisine of the sub-continent persuaded peace table participants to eat and talk together.

The Way of Human Rights itself, visible expression of Nuremberg's determination to become a city of peace and human rights, was celebrated on September 14, 2003, because it was 10 years before that this unique work of art had been created by Dani Karavan, Israel-born citizen of the world, who is one of the most eminent contemporary visual artists and has been honoured with numerous awards for his work.
Dani Karavan himself guided visitors through his work of art, and Nuremberg theatre made the message of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights come alive.