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Shiva's dance of life and death
Shiva is among the most important Hindu gods. At once terrible
and benevolent, he is never more powerful than when he is
dancing.
 His
appeal has spread beyond the borders of his homeland of India.
An exhibition at the Rietberg Museum in Zurich is exploring
why so many people are drawn to the Dancing Shiva.
The image of Shiva as the Lord of the Dance – multi-armed,
posed on one leg, surrounded by a circle of fire, his hair
flying – is one of the god's most famous incarnations.
The Rietberg Museum in Zurich, which is devoted to non-European
art and artefacts, boasts its own impressive bronze Dancing
Shiva, dating from the 11th century. It was bought by the
museum's founder and collector Eduard von der Heydt in the
1920s-1930s. (more)
Indo Swiss sports tournament
Opening
Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the 6th Athleticum
International shuttle badminton tournament at the Shuttle
Zone ,Wetzikon started with the march past dedicated to the
60th anniversary celebration of Indo Swiss friendship treaty
holding Swiss and Indian national flags . The salute was received
by Varghese Edattukaran , president of Indo Swiss sports club.
James Karuthedath , secretary welcomed players and spectators
.Fr. Nadackal inaugurated the tournament . Werner Kuster,
advisor , ex Swiss badminton champion introduced the tournament
to the public. (more)
The RIO' S International meetings Oldtimers
(RIO) - Ecuvillens, Fribourg
The amateurs of old planes presented aeronautical demonstrations
from all over the world where the number of participants like
the public increased with the passing of years. Thus Aérotique
organizes each year since 1990, the International meetings
of Oldtimers (RIO) on the aerodrome of Friburg-Ecuvillens..
These Meetings are distinguished from the traditional air
meetings because they make it possible the public to approach
the old planes, characteristic which probably contributes
to their successes. The International meetings of Oldtimers
(RIO) offer to the participants (pilot and to spectators)
two days of festivals. Presentations of the planes on the
ground and in the air, canteen, bars, shops, flights momentary
on the oldtimers will leave you an unforgettable memory.
To see more video clips, click below
RIO 2008 Old Timers
- cars and planes Switzerland
RIO 2008 Old Timers
- cars and planes Switzerland show
RIO 2008 Old Timers
- cars and planes Switzerland models
To see more pictures, click below
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Five great religions
: A travelling exhibition
An exhibition was held in the school of Marly
Fribourg for several days so that the school going children
have an idea of 5 different religions which included Christianity,
Judaism, Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism. The man behind this
project is Andre Zamofing
who has received approval from the office of Public Instruction
for sport and culture , Fribourg. The children here have only
a Christian education in school. This was a good opportunity
for them witness themselves the extreme sobriety of Islam,
that Hinduism is full of images etc.. As this is a moving
exhibition , they indent to show it in all middle schools
of French speaking areas of Switzerland . Next year, the same
exhibition will be held in Geneva during the International
Book Fair . (more)
Desalpe-Charmey - Fribourg --29th Rindiya
Edition
Désalpe or Alpabzug is the best-known of all traditional
mountain festivities. After more than four m onths
of grazing in alpine pastures, cows make their way down to
the plain at the end of summer season . You'll see the "armaillis"or
farmers dressed in "bredzons" and their ladies in
"dzaquillons". As for the cows, thundering bells
will be hanging from their necks and brightly coloured flowers
on their heads.
Parade, traditional music and selling of local produce among
other things. The main "Désalpe" of the region
take place in Charmey on 28.09.08 from the morning till evening
where about 10,000 spectators watched about 1000 cows , 600
goats and sheep coming down from the mountain and arriving
in the centre of the village . A market of handicrafts, cheese
specialities of Gruyere were on display for the people to
taste . A good number of tourists from various parts of the
world were seen to watch this special event which included
bell ringers, alpine
horn music, flag throwing, alpine choir, etc..
To see the video clips of event , click
below
Desalpe
Fribourg Switzerland 2008 Cows' March
Desalpe
Fribourg Switzerland 2008 Procession
To see photos of the event, click below
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 FOC
Swiss Unit arranges grand welcome to Archbishop and Vicar
General
On Sept. 20 Friends of Changanacherry Swiss Unit organized
a family get together to welcome His Excellency Mar Joseph
Perumthottam (Archbishop, Archdiocese of Changanacherry) and
Rev. Fat.Joseph Naduvilezham (Vicar General Archdioceses of
Changanacherry) in Rumlang Zuerich. (more)
Keli Onam 2008 - Basel
KELI, a social and cultural organization celebrated
Onam on 06.09.08 in Pratteln, Basel . Onam lunch was prepared
under the leadership of Kuttan Kocheril . He has been  doing
this since 10 years and has now informed that he will not
this
in future due to health reasons .The cultural evening was
inaugurated by Mr Urs Wuethrich, Minister for Culture,Education
and Sports, Basel Land Canton , Switzerland. He knew about
India and its culture.During his trip to India , some one
asked him “ Why do you spend so much on your travels,
and not spend something for God ? “ . Mr. Jose Joseph
, Second Secretary , Embassy of India,Bern read out the Onam
greeting and message of the Indian ambassador to Switzerland,Mrs
Chitra Narayanan. Dr. Gester , who is an expert on India ,
spoke about the social problems existing in India . Mathew
Thekkottil, President of Keli spoke about the growth of Keli
during the past ten years and how it has become a well known
organization among the European malayalees. Mathew Abraham
, Secretary described the social activities of Keli in a power
point presentation . The proceeds of their cultural activities
are contributed to charitable services like community development
services,educational aid , house construction,victims of flood,
earthquakes in Kerala. Keli’s volunteers in the hall
should make sure that people are not engaged in private conversations
when people are spaking on stage as it creates bad impression.
(more)
SWISS CHAMPIONSHIPS HIGHLAND GAMES 2008 - A
GREAT SUCCESS
Christoph Stritt of Schmitten FR is the new Swiss champion
of Highland Games 2008. The sixth edition of Highland Games
was a real success. More than 15 ' 000 spectators moved to
Saint-Ursen in the canton of Freiburg to attend athletic and
musical performances of great quality. 5 women and 43 men
measured themselves in the disciplines of the throw of the
stone, in height and the shot put throw of the tree trunk.
After a difficult finale with the throw of the trunk, the
holder of the title Peter Michel of Interlaken was classified
with the fourth rank and has thus to yield his title to Christoph
Stritt , second the last year and new Swiss champion. Nevertheless,
Michel can be delighted to have established a new record with
the throw of the stone with a jet with 8.30m.
For the second time, the female contest was gained by Irene
Stritt of Alterswil FR. In all, three women succeeded in turning
the trunk this year - what also constitutes a record! The
musical highlight of Highland Games were the contests solos
and in training of the players and players of bagpipe and
drum. The possibility of presenting itself to a public under
the vigilant eye of the Scottish judges was very well accommodated
by the formations of bagpipe.
Indeed, more than eight pipe bands approximately of 100 musicians
took part in the event. The contest Pipe band was won by City
of Basel Caledonia Band Pipe . Moreover, Traditional Pipe
Band off Lausanne - which took part for the first in Highland
Games - was classified with the third rank. Robert Watt, multiple
world champion in piping, contributed also much to the success
of the demonstration by putting under the charm the public
at the time of these two presentations solo Saturday and Sunday
- just like the throw of the sheaf which had a very positive
echo. Musical delicacies, remarkable athletic performances
and a superb environment by a radiant time - even in Scotland
one cannot think similar Highland Games!
To see the video clips of the event, click below
Highland Games
St.Ursen, Fribourg Switzerland- Massed Pipe Band
Highland Games
St.Ursen, Fribourg Switzerland-Trunk Throw
Highland
games St.Ursen Fribourg Switzerland Pipe Band Championship
To see the photos of the event , click below
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World Malayalee Youth Forum sports day
The World Malayalee Youth Forum sports day took place in
Sala Multioso, Grono, Tessin .Switzerland .There were 3 groups
: Zurich, Basel and Tessin . This was an ideal place for indoor
and outdoor sports. Competitions were organized among the
3 teams in items like football, basket ball, volley ball ,
tug of war, etc..
Zurich team won the overall championship while Tessin won
the runners-up trophy.
Benny , Gish and Anrtony Panackal welcomed the 3 groups and
gave further instructions about the meet. A few parents were
there to supply t meals and refreshment for two days .
To see video clips of the event, click below
WMC
Sports Day 2008
WMC
Sports Day 2008 Grono basket ball matches
WMC Sports
Day 2008 Grono Tug of War
WMC Sports
Day 2008 Grono Volley Ball
To see more photos of the sports
day, click below
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Nedumbassery Families in Switzerland
 The
programme started with a Holy Mass in the Gemeinde Saal Zollikon
Zurich with Fr Saji and Paul Manavalan from Puliyanam Nedumbassery
as celebrants. . Asha,Gisha, Joel Palatty were alter servants.
The choir singers were Mini Moonjely and Baby Pullely. A well
prepared lunch was served for all .The meeting started with
the lighting of the lamp by a few senior members who had been
in Switzerland since a good number of years.Tom Kulangara
gave an impressive welcome speech and Fr. Varghese Nadackal
addressed the audience wishing all the best for the group
who came from different parts of Switzerland including Tessin.
(more)
Keli Int. Kalamela 2008- A Festival of Arts
After the scintillating success of
the fourth Keli Intl Kalamela ,they have managed to organize
another Mega Mela this year , promoting Indian arts and cultural
heritage among the younger generations overseas and fostering
closer relationship among them. They claim that this Kalamela
is the pioneer festival of Indian arts, outisde India . This
event brings together and presents the best young performers
of Indian arts mostly from Europe. As recognition of the quality
of this genuine arts and cultural event , the Embassy of India
, Berne,has allowed Keli to officially use the symbol of Indian
national heritage, "Emblem of India " . The success
of Keli Intl kalamela has urged them to condct one in Kochi
, Kerala during August 2009. (more)
Soorya India Festival
- Dance and Music
It was another opportunity for Keli , a social and cultural
organization of Indians in Switzerland to stage Carnatic and
Hindustani jagalbandi of Soorya Krishnamoorthy in Windisch
, Argau state ,Switzerland . The programme lasted two hours
with instrumental fusion of Ustad Rafiq Khan, sitar, Mridangam
by Adichanalloor Anil, M.S. Lavanya on saxophone, Malamari
Jayan with Tabla, and Sudha Ranjit , vocal .
Besides these , there were three artists who performed the
Kathak ,Mohiniyattom, and Kuchupudi dances . Uma Muralikrishna
is the daughter in law of S.Janaki ,the Malyalam playback
singer. Methil Devika is the niece of Methil Radhakrishnan,the
writer and is doing her Doctorate in Mohiniyattom , is a judge
in Star Wars programme of Kairali TVand is a good choreographer
too. (more)
Dukrana Festival celebrated in Egg , Zurich
St.Thomas Syro Malab ar
Community , Zurich celebrated the Syro Malabar festival of
Dukrana on Sunday 6th , 2008 at St. Antonius Church Egg bei
Zurich . The main celebrant was Bishop John Thomas Kattarukudiyil,
Ittanagar, Arunal Pradesh , India.with six other priests ;
Fr. Thomas Plappallil, Fr. Varghese Nadackal, Fr, Binoy Kuttinal,
Fr. Thomas Kochuputhenpara, Fr.Zacharias Thamarakatt,Fr.Saji
Naduviladam.There were more than 500 faithful participants
in the con celebrated mass , with choir under the leadership
of Babu Pullely, a Eucharistic procession with the statu e
of St.Thomas , banners of St. Thomas Cross, decorated umbrellas
etc..Bible Jyothi was inaugurated in the church where one
family would receive the bible and read at home, and then
given to the next family who would take over the bible to
be read in their family. The donations received
during the mass was given for help in the building a seminary
in Ittanagar . The programme ended with a drink and a light
meal in the parish hall .
To see the video clips ,click below
St.Thomas
Day July 6th 2008 EGG Switzerland- Song of St. Thomas
St.Thomas
Day July 6th 2008 EGG Switzerland-Hosanna
To see photos , click below
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An Indian first
Rev Fr. John Sankarathil OSFS received Do ctorate
Degree [Ph. D] in Theology from the famous University of Fribourg,
Switzerland. He is the first Indian who did research studies
under the guidance of the Chancellor of the University.
Ordained a priest1995, Fr. Sankarathil is a pioneer member
from Asia in the Congregation of the Oblates of Saint Francis
de Sales. He has obtained mastery in French, German and modern
Psychology and Counselling. He has also a graduate degree
in Philosophy form the Jnana Deepa Vidhyapeeth, Pune, India
and graduate and post-graduate degree in theology from the
St. Peter's Pontifical Institute, Bangalore. He is also author
of six books in theology and more than 50 scholarly articles
in English, French, German and Malayalam on various subjects
such as philosophy, psychology, theology, spirituality and
comparative religion.
 Indian
trade links strengthened by visit
Switzerland has moved closer to sealing a free trade agreement
with India following a business delegation visit led by Economics
Minister Doris Leuthard.
Bern is also seeking to boost ties with India on a broad
range of other issues including science, education, research
and the environment. Leuthard's trip was the third official
visit by a Swiss government minister to the subcontinent over
the last nine months and marked the 60th anniversary of the
signature of a Friendship Treaty with independent India. (more)
Swiss Malayalee Friends Allschwil
 Swiss
Malayalee Friends (SMF) is a non-profit, non-political, cultural
organization working towards the betterment of the social
lifestyle by promoting cultural awareness among Malayalees
in Switzerland. Established in 1999 at a modest level in Allschwil,
Basel, by a handful of dedicated members, SMF has already
acquired wide recognition among Malayalees in terms of performance
and speciality of its cultural programmes and within this
short period of time, it ranks one among the prominent organizations
in Switzerland They try to bring in the tradition and culture
of our land through their activities and the events they conduct
as part of their regular programme and this provides a forum
for its participants to meet and exchange their views and
also to foster friendship, goodwill and understanding among
its members.(more)
Indian Association Zurich - Indian Ball 2008
Congress House Zurich
The Indian Ball, which is traditionally held in March/April
each year, is the Indian community's flagship event. This
is their opportunity to bring the most spectacular cultural
show of the year to Zurich along with the most delightful
culinary delights in the form of an extravagant banquet. The
event, which is held in the prestigious Kongresshaus, offers
an exquisite opportunity for networking and community celebration.
Over half of guests are Swiss. (more)
A Swiss watch that advises for a 90-minute
break to reflect on life
 This
is a world first: a Swiss timepiece that combines a key element
of the Indian calendar, the Panchang, which is more than 3,000
years old.
Two entrepreneurs from Gland are now gearing up to put their
brainchild - the Panchang watch - on the market under the
brand name BorgeauD.
"This watch is unique because it gives another dimension
of time," co-founder Marc Aeschbacher, a former financial
trader, told swissinfo.
Apart from telling normal time, it automatically displays
a daily 90-minute sequence called the Rahu period, considered
all-important in India.
"Nothing important happens in India without consulting
the Rahu period, so that's why it's critical," business
partner, Chitra Subramaniam, explained.(more)
Indo-Swiss twins produce new
Lord of the Rings
Suresh and Jyoti Guptara, about to conquer
the world (swissinfo)
Their 700-page Conspiracy of Calaspia set
record sales,now 2 Swiss teenagers with Indian roots plan
to conquer Europe.
The book tells the story of an adolescent, Bryn,
and a motley group of courageous individuals who must brave
danger and death to defend their planet against an evil enemy.
The twin brothers Jyoti and Suresh Guptara will be 20 years
old on November 22.
Polite but spontaneous, humorous and impish, they have lived
with their parents – Indian father and British mother
- in the town of Weinfelden in eastern Switzerland since they
were seven years old.
They speak Swiss German, German and English without an accent
and they are the heroes of an amazing adventure. It's almost
as awesome as the adventure they write about in a book that
is making their name.
Imaginary planet
Conspiracy of Calaspia is named after the imaginary planet
where the events unfold. First published in English in India
in November 2006, the book rapidly became a success, climbing
to second place in the Indian Fiction Bestseller List.
Impressed by such an achievement, the German publishing house
Rowohlt has just published the novel in a record print run
of 100,000 copies.
The Italian publisher Mondadori will bring out the book in
April, while discussions are taking place with publishers
in Britain and the United States. A version in French is also
planned.
Since there are not yet any sales figures for these versions,
it is obviously too early to make predictions. But there are
a number of reasons why the book could be an international
success like The Lord of the Rings, or even Harry Potter.
One reason is the extraordinary energy and dynamism of the
Guptara twins, their love of life, their enthusiasm and their
imagination, and the touch of innocence about them.
A thousand-page follow-up to Conspiracy of Calaspia has almost
been completed, and a third is due to come out in September.
The authors say they have enough material in their heads to
fill six or seven books in what they have called the Insanity
Saga. Insanity is a perverse force in the book that destroys
coherence and truth on the planet Calaspia.
Good and evil
Another reason is the moral dimension of the work, which is
reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings.
The Guptara family has a deep sense of Christian morality
but their Christianity is open and redemptive, full of humour,
and of love for the failings and weaknesses of humankind.
Although the text is by no means religious, this attitude
shines through and is one of the attractive things about it.
There is much in the book about good and evil as well as the
search for truth. But the authors insist that for them, these
huge concepts have to be approached with caution.
They say their characters are mostly neither totally good
nor totally evil and that the ending of the first book of
the saga contains a major twist that shows that truth is sometimes
relative and often complex.
First draft
The two brothers wrote the first draft of Calaspia when they
were just 11 years old. Since then the book has been rewritten
ten times.
At the age of 15 Jyoti, unlike his brother, left school to
concentrate solely on writing, finishing his schooling by
correspondence.
Jyoti obtained Swiss nationality in December last year. He
wants to continue writing books but also dreams of tackling
screenplays. As for his brother Suresh, he hopes to go to
university to study philosophy and physics.
swissinfo, adapted from
an article in French by Michel Walter
Serving Swiss rösti on the beach
It may be 35 degrees Celsius on Patnem beach, southern Goa,
but the demand for Sandi's Swiss fried potato is huge.
Sandi and her business partner Patrick - both from Zurich
– run a small guesthouse and restaurant with dishes that
are rather exotic for the Indian subcontinent.
"When we started the restaurant nine years ago, you
couldn't get salads around here or a good plate of spaghetti.
Pasta and rösti were the things I missed most from back
home," says Sandi.
"The rösti took off immediately, especially with
the Brits because they seem to love potato dishes. We even
get people travelling here all the way from the north of the
state just to try the rösti."
Sandi and Patrick fell in love with this little patch of paradise
12 years ago during a trip around Asia. They stayed with locals
on neighbouring Palolem beach, now a popular tourist destination
but at the time completely undiscovered. It was then that
they hatched their big dream of one day running a guesthouse.
Sandi also swore to herself that she would come back to southern
Goa as soon as she could.
But normal working life in Switzerland took over and it was
another three years before she would return. Patrick decided
to pursue a career in sales, the couple split up and Sandi
came back to Palolem alone in 1999.
She was shocked at what she found; her paradise had changed
completely. The beach was filled with makeshift huts to accommodate
backpackers from all over the world. It was too much for her,
so she ventured south and found Patnem beach much quieter
and more like the paradise she was looking for.
She also found love in the arms of Richard, from Britain.
They spent the season renting the only house on Patnem beach
and when the time ended, Sandi was so upset that her Goan
landlord spontaneously offered to give her and Richard a lease
on the house so they could return the next season and start
up a business.
Home from home
It took a lot of painting, hard work and all their savings
from Europe to create a guesthouse of international standard
but b efore
long "Home" was born.
Home has the bonus of being the only house on Patnem beach
because it was built before a 1991 law came into effect banning
all permanent brick buildings on the beach.
Initially the locals weren't at all happy: "They protested
because they were afraid we would get all the customers. A
gang of about 40 Indians showed up on the first day we opened,
armed with wooden clubs and wearing gloves. But Richard and
the landlord were able to speak to them and they did a deal
that we would only open during the day and close every Wednesday,"
recalls Sandi.
Since then, things have relaxed considerably and the business
is very much part of the community, employing locals and injecting
money into projects like rebuilding temples, schooling and
controlling disease spread by rodents and stray dogs.
"It's really important to integrate and respect the
local culture," stresses Sandi. "I go to the Goan
festivals and parties and weddings and eat things I wouldn't
normally eat out of respect for them. I try to have an open
ear and help out financially if anyone is in trouble. We are
really thankful that we are accepted here as foreigners."
Patrick is back. After ten years in Switzerland pursuing his
sales career, he decided that at the age of 40 he would give
his guesthouse dream another shot. His previous experience
as chef de cuisine has come in useful and he has revamped
the evening menu to serve three to four fresh dishes that
change daily.
He goes to the fish market every morning and orders organic
vegetables from the nearby mountains. The attention to detail
and the Swiss seal of quality go down well. The guesthouse
is booked out all season and the restaurant is continuously
packed out.
Monsoon season
But it's not all plain sailing. The yearly monsoon that descends
upon Goa from June until September means Home has to shut
shop for four to five months. Heavy rains and rugged seas
batter the coastline and the sandy beach disappears entirely.
The house has to be wrapped in mud and palm leaves to protect
it from humidity and every October, before the new season
starts, it has to be repainted and the garden terraces prepared.
"I lost my patience a few times and nearly walked away,"
says Sandi. "It's not a big money maker and it's only
recently that I didn't have to get a job in Switzerland during
monsoon season to help subsidize the guesthouse.
"But it's a way of life and sometimes when I look out
of the kitchen, I realize how lucky I am to have the most
beautiful place to work."
swissinfo, Claudia Spahr in Goa, India
Indian Ball 2008 - Come, Dance with India!
Saturday, 5th April 2008, 17:30 hrs to
Midnight
Kongresshaus Zürich, Claridenstrasse,
8002 Zurich
The Indian Ball, which is traditionally held in March/April
each year, is our flagship event. This is our opportunity
to bring the most spectacular cultural show of the year to
Zurich along with the most delightful culinary delights in
the form of an extravagant
banquet. The event, which is held in the prestigious Kongresshaus,
offers an
exquisite opportunity for networking and community celebration.
Over half of our guests are Swiss. We expect over 800 guests
in 2008.
The Indian Ball 2008 will be held on Saturday, 5th April
2008. We are delighted that
we bring a troupe of twenty one dancers representing classical
and folk dance
traditions from Maitreyee Pahari's Lokchhanda Cultural Unit
in New Delhi, India. Her productions carry her signature amalgamation
of different dance forms in a seamless poetry of rhythm and
movement.
Maitreyee Pahari has performed in the U.S.A., Canada, Germany,
Ireland, Syria, Cyprus, Turkey, South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion
and Bangladesh. She has
participated in some of the major dance festivals in India.
She has helped co-ordinate
and choreograph numerous dance festivals for the Indian Council
for Cultural
Relations, Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Department of Culture.
She was also awarded the Charles Wallace Fellowship in 2003
and visited England
and Scotland for dance workshops, choreographic collaborations
and performances.
Maitreyee Pahari
Maitreyee's childhood fascination for the arts, specially
the folk
forms of music and dance, took her to the deep interiors of
rural
Bengal, Bihar
and Orissa in search of her objective - the
preservation, promotion and propagation of the folk culture
of
rural India. Her specific contribution has been the promotion
and
projection of the folk arts of Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum,
Midnapur
and other culturally rich districts of West Bengal.
For a better understanding of the folk form, she found it
necessary to learn a classical form of dance. After her initial
training in Kathak with Smt. Kanan Sen in Kolkata, she joined
Kathak Kendra in Delhi, under the tutelage of Smt. Vaswati
Misra and thereafter Pt. Birju Maharaj. She is also a graduate
of Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata , majoring in Manipuri
Dance, for which she was awarded a gold medal. She has specially
studied and
trained in the three different Chhau dance forms viz: Mayurbhanj,
Purulia and
Seraikella. The realisation of her dream came with the formation
of her own dance company, the Lok Chhanda Cultural Unit with
a broad repertoire and a team of over 40 dancers and musicians.
Most of her choreographic compositions have been based on
extensive research of different forms and styles of dance
and music. She has also experimented with the juxtaposition
of the classical and the folk, especially with the Chhau dance
forms.
She has won wide critical acclaim for her choreographic compositions.
Maitreyee's vision for the future is to seek the dying and
lost cultural traditions of
India, to carefully nurture them and hopefully preserve them
for posterity.
Indian Association Zurich
The Indian Association Zurich reaches out to all people with
an affinity for India, living
in the Greater Zurich Area. Events are attended not only by
people of Indian origin,
but increasingly by Swiss and European friends of India who
are deeply interested in
the Sub-Continent, and wish to discover more of Indian culture
and society. Each
event of the Association is a delightful window into the diversity
of Indian culture. We
invite artistes from various parts of India to perform in
Zurich. This is often possible at
reasonable cost since we leverage the opportunity when a troupe
or performer is
travelling in Europe.
Tagblatt
Further Information
For more information please contact Arun Amirtham, President,
Indian Association
Zurich (arun@iazch.ch, 079 446 72 54) or Smriti Ahluwalia,
General Secretary,
Indian Associatiton Zurich (smriti@iazch.ch, 078 639 73 10)
You may also consult our web-site, www.iazch.ch.
Asianet talent contest 2008 in
Ilford town hall
Baiju Santhaseelan
Asianet talent contest 2008 was held at Ilford town hall.
Talents from far and near within Europe including Vienna,
Aberdeen, Bristol, Leicester competed in the event. Chief
guests this time was renowned veteran actress KPAC Lalitha
and her son Sidharth. As ever Lalithamma was modest and soft
spoken with a sweet smile on her at most times. Sidharth was
stunned to see the big following he has in Europe. When Lalithamma
got on to the stage the audinced requested a song from her
and she willingly concurred with a song of "ellarum chollanu"
from the film "Neelakkuyil". (more)
Master Nevin excels
in Kids and Stars programme
 The
event was just superb with an excellent performance by Master
Nevin. The TV channel TeleM1 did a special report for the
event and telecasted on 11th March with their evening news.
Again on 18th (Tuesday) March there was another telecasting
on the whole star-casting session of Kids and Stars programme.
 Also
on 22nd March (Saturday - day before Easter) there will be
another telecasting with full coverage of Kids and Stars Mega
Concert on TeleM1.
Please note that this TV programe is not available in all
regions of Switzerland.
If some one would like to watch this programe on internet
is advised to visit www.telem1.ch and search for the programe
in archive with search tip 'KIDS'
 Nevin's
performance is highly appreciated by the Star singers and
the audience.
He was the youngest performer in the concert. Kids&Stars
have also released one music CD for the music lovers which
is available through their website. Photos and DVD of the
event are also available at www.kidsandstars.ch
NB: Kidsandstars Music CD was released by Tim Wielandt (Mister
Schweiz 2007) in an elegant show of the famous Musical "Space
Dreams Saga3" on 1st March in Winterthur.
George Naduvathettu
Passion Week Programmes
in Switzerland
Switzerland St.Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church Passion week
programmes will start at 17March in Basel. Palm Sunday, Pesaha,
Good Friday Rev.Dn.Prince Mannathoor will give the Holy Messages.He
is a good preecher and Television Preecher(Shalom T.V.) from
Italy. He is first time in Switserland. Easter day Rev.Dn.Aji
George will give the message.
More details you can contact with Vicar Fr.Jomy Joseph
Phone:- 662841619251
K G George interview:
“ When I started film making I ha d
the notion that actors are the tool of the director and anybody
can be made into an actor. That all changed with my film Yavanika.
Gopi`s acting in Yavanika is so superb and on a par with any
best actor in the world”
......“Yes, I have made strong films with issues concerning
women. Women have their own opinions and personalities. ....There
are no strong women characters in the new Malayalam films”
K G George talks to Manambur Suresh in a stage interview.
(more
in Malayalam)
France confers Narayana Murthy
with its highest civilian award
France. N R Narayana Murthy was on Saturday(26.01.2008)
conferred with the Officer of the Legion of Honour, the highest
civilian distinction of the government of France. The French
honour for Narayana Murthy comes on a day when he was chosen
for Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award of
the country. 
French minister of higher education and research Valerie
Pecresse bestowed the honour to the “most admired business
leader” of India at a glittering function here this evening.
Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour
is the highest civilian distinction that can be conferred
in France regardless of the social status or the nationality
of the recipients.
Pecresse acknowledged the humble beginnings of Infosys, which
was co-founded by Narayana Murthy in 1981 along with six friends,
and $215 in the pocket. “Infosys, which employs over
82,000 staff, is a shining example of development in India,”
she said.
Accepting the distinction, Narayana Murthy said he was extremely
greateful to the government of France for honouring him.
Narayana Murthy, who pursued higher studies in France, said
it was a country he loves most after India.
-John Kochukandathi
Pravasi Sangamam & Xmas 2007 Winterthur
Winterthur is a small town close to Zurich with one association
called “ Swiss Malayalees Winterthur “. But
by the end of 2007 due to some internal difference of opinion
among the members , a new association was formed with the
name “ Pravasi Swiss “ and they organized Xmas celebrations
on their own on the same day as the other group .
A song titled “Pravasikal Malayalikal “with lyrics
written by Kunjappu Varghese was played in the hall in the
beginning of the programme with beautiful pictures from Kerala
and Switzerland in the back ground on a screen .Any one who
hears this song will be proud to be a Malayalee Pravasi .
Mr. Jimmy Koratikattuthrayil in his presidential address assured
the need of a single platform for all Malayalee Pravasis in
Switzerland. He not only promised to support the action but
also assured the club's role in this matter. more>>
Preparations kicked-off by Hon.
Mr. O.N.V Kurup
Preparations for the Keli International Kalamela 2008 are
kicked off at Trivandrum by the renowned poet and writer Mr.
O.N.V. Kurup on 3rd January 2008.
The first registration for the event was also received at
this kick-off function, attended by Hon. Mr. Soorya Krishnamurthy,
Keli’s vice President Mr. Benny Pulickal and by the Kalamela’s
General Convenor Mr. Babu Kattupalam.
After the scintillating success of the fourth International
Kalamela in May 2007, preparations are underway to organize
yet another Mega Mela on May 10th and 11th, 2008 for our young
artists hailing from Pravasi backgrounds.
This event will mark the 5th Anniversary of
the Keli International Kalamela, the Pioneer Festival of Indian
Arts, outside India. Keli International Kalamela brings together
and presents the best young performers of Indian arts from
around the world.
It is a unique multi-arts event and has attained reputation
for attracting many of the finest young performers including
Indian classical dancers and other artists among the Pravasi
Indians.
In its pursuit towards universality, Keli is lifting the pravasi
barriers, this year for the first time, for any versatile
artists, who may qualify to compete in the senior age group.
This year, competitions will be held for three age groups,
sub-junior, junior and senior in 11 different disciplines.
Please visit our website to get all the details regarding
the festival and also to register for competitions online.
We will update shortly all details in our events section
For More Info visit - www.kalamela.com
by Shaji Ramanalil
Carols lighten up Christmas spirit
in Zurich
With Christmas round the corner, Keralites in Egg, Oetwil
am Zee ,Zollkerberg welcomed it by singing Christmas songs
and carols in St.Antonius church and later in Malayalee families
in the nearby areas. This is the second year of their successful
singing of such carol and visit of Malayalee families .At
2.30 P.M. Fr.Alfred Suter blessed the group in St. Antonius
church in Egg . Fr. Varghese Nadackal shared the carol message.
Nirmala Valiplackal welcomed the the carol service group and
Jomon Edayattil gave the vote of thanks.
These Xmas carols on the theme of the Saviour born in a manger
of a stable accompanied by a portable crib, Christmas Father,several
children and adults and the visit of several Malayalee families
brought nostalgic memories of their Xmas celebrations in Kerala
. In Switzerland , you do not find such custom of carol singing
and visit of families. Sebastian Valiplackal and Augustine
Maliackal were in charge of carol group . Augustine Mundakat
and Wins Mampilly acted as Christamas Father . The donations
received by the carol group on that day were given to an orphanage
in Iddikki district and “ Home of Love “ , an old
age institution in Calicut district .
To the see the photos click
below
Christmas
Carol Services Photos
Experts highlight migrant contribution
Experts say migration helps the Swiss economy
 To
mark United Nations International Migrants Day, organisations
are calling for migrants' rights to be better protected and
their contribution to society recognised.
In Switzerland migration is mainly of an economic nature,
and experts agree that without it the Swiss economy and culture
would be a lot poorer.
The UN General Assembly decreed in 2000 that International
Migrants Day should be held every year on December 18. more>>
Study confirms Switzerland as
tax paradise
Switzerland lives up to its reputation
as tax haven for companies: report
A corporate study rates Switzerland highly for its
favourable rates and ease of paying taxes. The study comes
at a time of tension between Switzerland and the European
Union over the Swiss corporate fiscal system.
"Paying Taxes 2008 - the global picture", a study
by the World Bank and professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers
(PwC), rated countries according to how much tax businesses
were charged. more>>
IT skills shortage reaches alarming
levels
ITspecialists at work in Switzerland - Ginob
Manjaly (right)
Switzerland is witnessing a
dramatic shortage of information technology professionals,
with enrolment in IT courses well below replacement levels
for the sector.
The number of young people opting to study IT
at a higher education level has dropped by more than half
since 2001.
In the coming years there will not be enough new IT professionals
to fill the vacancies left by retiring staff, observers warn.
more>>
Army kitchen gives Hyderabad
Swiss flavour
The Indian city of Hyderabad is known for its
Arabic influence, but it also has a taste of Switzerland in
the shape of a bakery complete with mobile army kitchen.
The Ofen (Oven), bustling with customers sipping coffee among
shelves of fresh Zopf breads and other Swiss specialities,
was set up with the help of a wandering Swiss master baker.
Many of the regulars in this information technology boomtown
are drawn to the delicacies they became accustomed to while
working in Europe. And for others, the new tastes on offer
are an intriguing addition to the traditional diet of roti
and nan breads. more>>
Advert aims to deter African
immigrants
Switzerland is funding a bleak anti-migration
television campaign in Africa to discourage would-be migrants
from trying to seek their fortunes in Europe.
The hard-hitting advert, which has been aired on prime-time
television in Cameroon and Nigeria, depicts the life of freshly
arrived migrants in Europe as one fraught with problems and
dangers.
In the film an African migrant phones his father
from somewhere in Europe in the pouring rain and assures him
that all is well while in reality he is living on the street,
being chased by the police and having to beg for a living.
more>>
PRAVASI SWISS “Pravasi Sangamam
and Christmas Celebration”
PRAVASI SWISS proudly presents “Pravasi
Sangamam and Christmas Celebration” and cordially invite
your gracious presence on 26th of December 2007at 10:30 in
Winterthur, Switzerland.
Hon. Union Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri. Valayar
Ravi would grace the occasion by inaugurating the “Pravasi
Sangamam”. Shri. Ganesh Kumar MLA and a renowned cine-actor
would inaugurate the “Christmas celebration”. Shri.
Benny Behanan, and Shri . Raffi Mather would enlighten the
auspicious occasion with their presence.
On this occasion, Pravasi Swiss for the first time introduces
to Europe , the Great comedians from South India “Comedy
Cousins” .The excitement never stops .You would run into
the whole gamut of feelings and emotions on an open scale
of joy and happiness with mind-boggling acts in the feeling
of perfect bliss. We promise you a non stop entertainment
for four hours which not only takes you in the world of comedy
but also in the world of cultural Indian with lots of classical
and Bollywood style cinematic dances.
By Car
From St.Gallen, Bern, Basel , Zürich drive Autobahn A1,take
exit Winterthur Wülflingen, then keep direction Winterthur
/Wülflingen after 500m follow the direction Wülflingen
till Lindenplatz. At Lindenplatz you would see a small Migros
and also the Restaurant Hirschen . Programme hall is on the
back side of this Restaurant.
By Train/Bus
From Winterthur main station , take Autobus Nr.2 in the direction
to Wülflingen .Get down at Lindenplatz.Walk 50m back
and you would see a small Migros and also the Restaurant Hirschen
. Programme hall is on the back side of this Restaurant.
Venue:
Reformierte Kirchgemeinde Wülflingen
Lindenplatz 12
8408 Winterthur
Time:
10:30 Holy Mass
12.00 Lunch
14.00 Stage Show
-Jimmy Korattikkattutharayil- Pravasi Swiss
Swiss unenthusiastic about Christmas
shopping
Swiss shoppers focus more on quality and expert service
Only three in every 100 Swiss are in the
Christmas shopping mood, but the nation will still spend some
SFr5.6 billion ($4.98 billion) on the festive season this
year.
The lack of enthusiasm about tackling crowded department
stores is worse than the European average and many shoppers
will turn to websites for gifts, an international survey shows.However,
the Swiss are not concerned about parting with their money,
particularly in the German-speaking regions of the country.
Only a third of those surveyed complained of a loss of purchasing
power, but this proportion is higher among French speakers.Some
SFr2.6 billion will be spent of gifts this year in Switzerland,
SFr2 billion on food and drinks and a further SFr1 billion
on partying, the report from international consultancy firm
Deloitte & Touche revealed.Around a third of German speakers
will avoid the crowds by using the internet, compared with
a fifth in the French-speaking region of the country.
Karen Frick of the consumer research group Gottlieb Duttweiler
Institute is not surprised that the Swiss shun busy shopping
streets at Christmas "We find that what people really
hate is when shops get really crowded," she told swissinfo.
"Older people in particular do not want to be jostled
when they are shopping."Swiss shoppers place less emphasis
on price discounts and look more to quality and expert service
from retail staff. Two-thirds are prepared to pay more for
"ethical" items that do not exploit labour or harm
the environment.
Ethical considerations
The recent safety scare over children's toys manufactured
in China has played a role, according to Deloitte's director
of consumer business, Julius Hill."Consumers are very
aware of where products come from, how they are made and what
they contain," he said. "Products which are made
in Europe or even in Switzerland are likely to be more popular
this year.Karen Frick agrees that stores have to pay more
attention than ever to what type of products they stock.
"There is a new understanding of quality and social
and environmental sustainability are now part of this. People
look at where the item has been produced and also if it is
handmade, personalised or promotes the local handicraft of
a particular region," she said.The Deloitte survey found
that traditional Christmas gifts such as books, music, perfumes
and beauty products would continue to be popular this year.
However, these products are facing increasing competition
from high-tech gadgets like mobile telephones and MP3 players.Games
consoles will be among the top gifts in the French-speaking
part of Switzerland, in common with most of Europe. German
speakers are more likely to opt for money and gift vouchers
to pop into stockings.
swissinfo, Matthew Allen
To see video clip
of a supermarket window , click below
Xmas
Shopping in Bern Switzerland
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