Remarks by Ambassador Sibi George at the Opening of GitaGovind Exhibition at the Rietberg Museum, Zurich, Oct 23, 2019
Director of Rietberg Museum Mr. Johannez Beltz, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Evening. Thank you for inviting me for the opening of the Gitagovinda India’s Great Love Story Exhibition today. I congratulate the leadership of Rietberg museum for their efforts in making this happen today. It was not an easy task. A lot of efforts and patience have gone into make this happen.
As Ambassador of India to Switzerland, I bring to you greetings from Government of India and over 1.3 billion people of India. Personally, I am overwhelmed by the steps being taken by Rietberg Museum in connecting East with the West. The Museum plays a pioneering role in building this bridge between Himalayas and Alps.
The story of GitaGovind, Lord Krishna and Radha, is one of eternal love, which every Indian cherish. It is very much an essential part of India’s culture and ethos. No day in the life of any Indian goes without thinking about the story of Radha and Krishna. This is true not only for those belong to the Hindu religion, but for all Indian, irrespective of religion or region. I am happy that this great love story of Radha and Krishna is being brought to Switzerland, the land of serene beauty.
In the ever-growing relationship between India and Switzerland, Indian epics and spirituality play an important role. Last week, I was at Winterthur addressing a gathering of over a thousand people from all walks of life in Switzerland. It was a function to welcome Mata Amritanandamayi, a spiritual leader from India, who was on a three day visit to Switzerland. I was amazed to see the welcome she received in Switzerland. I am also happy to see the growing interest for yoga and Ayurveda in Switzerland.
Switzerland, the land of Alps, have always welcomed India, the land of Himalayas with its values and traditions and its heroes. To this land of Alps, Swami Vivekananda brought message of India’s spirituality in 1896. It is to this land that Mahatma Gandhi came in 1931 whose 150th birth anniversary we celebrate this year.
Today Switzerland is welcoming Gitagovind, the eternal love story. I wish the exhibition all the best.
Thank you.
