Message from the Swiss Ambassador to India

A special message from Dr. Andreas Baum, Ambassador of Switzerland to India, on the occasion of the Swiss National Day in India 2020. 

Full Screen

Message from the Swiss Ambassador to Bhutan

A special message from Dr. Andreas Baum, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bhutan, on the occasion of the Swiss National Day in Bhutan 2020.

Full Screen

Special message from the President of the Swiss Confederation

On the occasion of the Swiss National Day, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Ms. Simonetta Sommaruga, sends her greetings for all the Swiss abroad.

Full Screen

Greetings from the Federal Councillor, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

The Federal Councillor, Dr. Ignazio Cassis, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, sends his greetings on the Swiss National Day.

Full Screen

Message from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan

Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan, conveys his wishes with a special message on account of the Swiss National Day.

Full Screen

Message from the Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

Mr. Vikas Swarup, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, sends his good wishes on the occasion of the Swiss National Day.

Full Screen

Stories about organizations we are supporting in India

In an expression of Switzerland’s solidarity with the people of India, the official Swiss network in India brings to you stories about organizations we are supporting in their efforts to deal with COVID and its aftermath.  

If you wish to contribute to the organizations we are supporting in their fight against the current pandemic and its aftermath, below are the contact details:

Full Screen

Stories about organizations we are supporting in Bhutan

In an expression of Switzerland’s solidarity with the people of Bhutan, the Embassy of Switzerland brings to you stories about organizations we are supporting in their efforts to deal with COVID and its aftermath. 

Full Screen

Of Words and Bodies

The dance film produced during a lockdown is based on a real experience of getting infected with COVID and then recovering from it. From the hospital experience to the fear and the learning.

Produced for the Embassy of Switzerland in India by Diya Naidu

Concept, text and choreography: Diya Naidu

Music: Fortunat Frölich, Switzerland

Vocalist: Bindhumalini (India) and Christian Zehnder (Switzerland)

Musicians: Kra Trio and Casal Quartet, Sinfonieorchester Basel

Conducted by: Fortunat Frölich

Dancer: Diya Naidu

Videography and editing: Vishnu Nambiar

Full Screen
 

Pause. Revive!

A unique expression with Hip Hop street style and contemporary dance, the film reflects the trajectory of human emotions during the COVID pandemic from anxiety, uncertainty, compassion, to gratitude and finally hope.

Produced for the Embassy of Switzerland in India & Bhutan by Druk Dream Team & GOKAB Community Centre, Bhutan

Concept and choreography: Chado Namgyel (Bhutan) & Diya Naidu (India)

Music: Fortunat Frölich (Switzerland)

Vocalists: Bindhumalini (India) & Christian Zehnder (Switzerland)

Musicians: Christian Zehnder & Kra Trio
Casal Quartet
Susanne Elmark - Soprano
Ensemble Phoenix Basel
Mahalia Kelz – Harp
Sinfonieorchester Basel

Conducted by: Fortunat Frölich / Mariusz Smolij 

Dancers: Priyabrat Panigrahi & Diya Naidu (India), Pema Tshering, Samdru Chhetri, Sanjay Wangmo Sherpa, Tashi Dema, Tenzin Namgay, Tandin Wangchen, Tashi Dema & Chado Namgyel (Bhutan)

Videography and editing: Devansh Gandhi (India), Namgay Wangchuk DJ, Prakash Tamang & Yeshi Dorji (Bhutan), Dieter Kubli (Switzerland)

Full Screen

A unique puppet show by Peter Rinderknecht

A man prepares to celebrate the Swiss National Day at home with his little dog named Schach. He practices the national anthem on his contrabass, when suddenly he hears sounds from inside the contrabass. Watch what he discovers further in this unique puppet show by Peter Rinderknecht, Switzerland. 

By: Peter Rinderknecht and Robert Meyer, Switzerland

Full Screen

A unique puppet show by Peter Rinderknecht

A man prepares to celebrate the Swiss National Day at home with his little dog named Schach. He practices the national anthem on his contrabass, when suddenly he hears sounds from inside the contrabass. Watch what he discovers further in this unique puppet show by Peter Rinderknecht, Switzerland. 

By: Peter Rinderknecht and Robert Meyer, Switzerland

Full Screen

DIY : Paper Windmill

Learn with this Do It Yourself Video how to make a paper windmill at home.

Full Screen

DIY: Table Lamp

Decorate your home on 1 August with this simple table lamp. It's easy and fun for everyone to make – young or old – and will bring a touch of Swissness to your home. 

Craft Material:
Corrugated craft paper
Scissors
Glue
Drawing pin

Step 1
Cut the corrugated craft paper into a wide strip (15 x 30cm in the example). Draw Swiss crosses on the back with a ballpoint pen.
 

Step 2
Now you can decorate your lamp, for example with Swiss crosses. Using the drawing pin, make holes along the edges of the crosses you have drawn. Leave a small space between the holes so that the paper doesn't tear.

Step 3
Apply glue to the short edge of the paper and stick it together. You can use a paper clip to hold it in place until the glue has dried.

Step 4
Your table lamp is now ready for you to place a tea light in it. Use a flameless LED tea light so there's no risk of fire.

DIY: Paper Lantern

One thing you definitely need for the festivities on 1 August is a traditional home-made Swiss National Day lantern. 

Made of red and white paper, it gives off a lovely light effect for inside or outside. You can be as creative as you like!
 

Craft Material:
Craft tissue paper or tracing paper
Round cheese box
Scissors
Glue
Wire
(LED) tea light

Step 1
Fold the paper in half so that you have two layers. Cut it to a length that fits once around the cheese box, overlapping slightly. The height of the paper will determine the height of your paper lantern.
 

Step 2
Unfold the paper and apply glue to the inside lower edge. Then stick the folded paper together.
 

Step 3
Apply glue around the edge of the cheese box base and stick the paper around it.
 

Step 4
Cut a large circle out of the cheese box lid, and stick the other end of the paper around the lid.
 

Step 5
Apply glue along the edge of the paper and stick the two ends together.
 

Step 6
Now you can decorate your lantern. For example, you can make Swiss crosses out of white paper and stick them to the lantern. Or just use your imagination!
 

Step 7
Using the scissors, carefully make two small holes opposite each other at the top of the lantern. You can then pull the wire through these holes to make the lantern holder.
 

Step 8
Carefully tie one end of the wire around each of the holes.

Step 9
Your paper lantern is now ready for you to place a tea light in it. It's a good idea to use a flameless LED tea light so there's no risk of fire.