Cultural Interaction with Indian Diaspora” organized by Indian Embassy Switzerland in Berne on 04 March as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations
and welcome gathering for new Hon.Ambassador to Switzerland.
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.
