HE
Mr.
Sanjay Bhattacharyya,Emabassy
Stafs and Associations officials..
Good
Morning to all,
I am Tomy Thondamkuzhy President of Be Friends Switzerland. Treasurer Mr.Sanju Ponnanakunnel also here with me representing the organization ..
Be
Friends Switzerland, a socio-cultural
organization of Malayalees residing in
Switzerland for the last 20 years. At present
the Organization have a membership of 195
families .The main aim of this organization is
to integrate and promote Indian culture in
Switzerland. Befriends
also stand for the wellbeing of their fellow
members through different events such as cultural
events, mega shows, excursions, Sports,
seminars, and charity programs.
For
this purpose we are
organising various cultural shows at
regular intervals. Many eminent personalities,
especially from Indian Film and Music industry
showed their talents on different stages
organised by Be Friends.
Every
year we are organising the harvest festival
(Onam), one of the biggest Indian Cultural
gala in Zurich. Onam
provides opportunities for young buds to
showcase their talents in traditional and
cultural arts.
During this fest, Be friends started first
time in Switzerland Best Dress Award in 2010 in different categories. It was warmly
welcomed Indian community in Switzerland and
now a days many Swiss people also attending
this fest with Indian dress. We
spread the relevance of Onam among our Indian
community, irrespective of caste, color, and
religion. There, we serve authentic Kerala
vegetarian cuisines on about 700 people's
scale.
As
a reputed pravasi Organization in Switzerland
we are Emphasising some creative steps to
future. First time in Switzerland we have
started Pravasi
Ratna Award in 2018. Through this award we
adore all the Malayalees, those who have
completed their 50 Years of stay in
Switzerland.
We
are celebrating this year our 20 years Jubilee
celebration and Thiruvonam festival on 27th
August at Zurich. Welcome to all for this
harvest festival.
Along
with that, we also conduct many charity
programs such as I-share among our children
and make them aware of the importance of
sharing and caring. Befriends supported many
poor families who needed urgent support for
Hospital emergencies and critical assistance.
Our
badminton and volleyball tournament is
conducted every year to attract Indian youth
kids and enthusiastic parents. Frauen Forum
conducts seminars and events for enrichment
and networking.
Be
friends Switzerland plans several activities
to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav this
year and we will explain the importance along
with the logo in all our promotion tools.
In
all these ways, befriends connect to a person
on all levels such as physical, mental,
emotional, and cultural states of wellbeing.
We thank you for the opportunity given to us
to talk about Befriends. We look forward to
collaborating with the Indian Embassy,
Switzerland,
Jai
Hind.
