To further strengthen the political, economic and cultural ties between Switzerland and Bhutan, the 728th Swiss National Day was observed in Thimphu yesterday. Coinciding with the day, the Embassy of Switzerland in India and Bhutan launched the friendship bus “Swiss Films on Wheels.”
At the launch, “Heidi”-one of the most charming children’s films from Switzerland, was screened to about 300 school children at the Royal University of Bhutan’s hall. The Ambassador of Switzerland to India and Bhutan, Honorary Consul of Switzerland, dignitaries from the Government also attended the event.
The friendship bus is expected to travel across 17 dzongkhags in the country, screening “Heidi” within the next three weeks spreading the message of friendship. The film will be screened in collaboration with local schools, NGOs and other partners in the country.
“The friendship bus that will travel across the country with the intention of touching the young minds, also making them aware of Switzerland, that’s the friendship we want to strike with young people and to increase people to people connect,” Madhura Phatak, the Cultural Programme officer with the Embassy of Switzerland in India, said.
“Heidi is a symbol of friendship. It is a story of a young 8-year-old girl who goes from the Swiss alps to Frankfurt to be a friend with a sick girl called Kalra. It is about the magic of friendship between Heidi and Karla. We feel this would inspire friendship respect trust among communities, among societies and across cultures.”
Last year, Switzerland established an Honorary Consulate in Thimphu with the intention of further strengthen political, economic and cultural ties. “Swiss Films on Wheels” is another step towards fulfilling this commitment.
Bhutan and Switzerland established formal diplomatic relations in 1985. Since then projects, such as Swiss Red cross, Helvatas, Swiss Development Cooperation and several other developmental projects were started in Bhutan.
