Welcome Remarks by Ambassador Sibi George at the Indian Community & Friends of India Reception in honour of Hon’ble President of India
Berne, Sept 12, 2019
Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji, Madam First Lady, Hon’ble Minister, Hon’ble Members of Parliament of India and Switzerland, Hon’ble Mayors, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good Evening and Welcome.
Sir, almost twenty months ago, you appointed me to represent you in three countries. Since then on your behalf and on behalf of our 1.3 billion Indian brothers and sisters, I have been conveying my greetings to Hon’ble President of Switzerland, His Serene Highness Prince of Lichtenstein, whom you received in New Delhi last year, and His Holiness Pope Francis. I have also been in close contact with our most vibrant diaspora and friends of India in these three countries in the heart of Europe in promoting our relations.
Sir, the greatest honour for any Ambassador posted anywhere in the world is to welcome his President to his country of accreditation. It becomes the proudest moment when one is joined by the Indian Diaspora and the Friends of India. Sir, it is an honour for us to welcome you and Madam First Lady to Switzerland.
Sir, Indian diaspora in Switzerland have always been with us to celebrate India and Indian festivals. They contribute immensely to strengthen our partnership with Switzerland. They include Members of Parliament and Cantonal Councils, scientists, professors, artists, doctors, engineers, medical professionals, lawyers, business persons, government officials in key positions, all contributing to the progress of the country where they live, at the same time not forgetting about their Indian routes. I should specifically mention the growing number of Indian students in Switzerland.
Sir, India Swiss partnership ranges from universities and students to business establishments and industrial houses, laboratories to factories, science and technology to innovation and research, hospitals and medical research to even music and dance institutes. There is also the great connect of Yoga and Ayurveda. It is our Indian diaspora and our friends of India who are driving this important partnership.
Sir, one of the most important aspect of this partnership is our growing people to people exchanges. Every summer hundreds of thousands of Indian tourists travel to Bernese Oberland. We are happy that the number of Swiss visiting India is also on the rise. The partnership between the peoples of Himalayas and Alps are on the rise.
Sir, we are so happy that your historic visit to Switzerland is taking place when we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Sir, on behalf of our Indian diaspora and friends of India, I welcome you and Madam First Lady to Switzerland.
Sir, I may I request you to kindly address this august gathering.
Thank you.
