In a picturesque corner of Uttarakhand, India, India and Switzerland recently commemorated 75 years of their enduring friendship and productive collaboration. The celebration, aptly named ‘Swiss Himalayan Bounty,’ unfolded over three days in the charming Satoli village, perched at an altitude of 6,000 feet near Mukteshwar in the Nainital district. The event drew participants from various NGOs, stakeholders, and beneficiaries, all representing the profound and longstanding partnership between these two nations.
A prominent highlight of the celebration was the recognition of the outstanding accomplishments of rural women in the Champawat district. These women have reaped the benefits of projects supported by Swiss Himalayan Amity (SHA), an organization based in Switzerland. SHA’s involvement in the region encompasses four distinct programs: Aarohi, Arogya, Alaap, and Cankids. These initiatives aim to provide vital support in the fields of education, healthcare, and reforestation.
One noteworthy achievement under SHA’s auspices is the Arogya project, which established a model delivery point at a community health center in the Pati block of Champawat district. This success led to the establishment of another similar facility, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing maternal and child healthcare in the region. Sushil Sharma, the driving force behind the Arogya project, shared this proud development.
Robert Graf, the head of SHA, outlined the organization’s holistic approach to uplift the hill communities of Uttarakhand. He stressed their efforts to promote the use of smokeless ‘chulhas’ (stoves) in the region, addressing both health and environmental concerns. Additionally, SHA has actively engaged in programs designed to educate and empower midwives in rural areas. These initiatives underscore the multifaceted nature of the collaboration between India and Switzerland.
The celebration saw the presence of notable figures such as Kamal Musale, a Swiss-Indian filmmaker, historian Shekhar Pathak, and photographer Anup Shah. Their attendance served as a testament to the rich cultural exchange and the enduring bond between these two nations.
The ‘Swiss Himalayan Bounty’ event not only celebrated the past 75 years of fruitful cooperation but also laid the foundation for continued collaboration between India and Switzerland. With a focus on sustainable development, healthcare, and empowerment, this enduring partnership promises to yield even more success stories in the years to come.