Emanuel Flückiger: Re-Electrification of Monasteries and Dzongs in Bhutan - Highlights and Challenges
Songtsen House Zurich 1.12.2023
In conversation with SSB President Claudio Zingg, SSB member Emanuel Flückiger gave an insight into his various projects in Bhutan.
Emanuel Flückiger has been involved in major projects in Bhutan for several years as an expert in electrical systems. With enormous personal commitment, he has re-electrified and illuminated two of the most important historical buildings in Bhutan: The Tiger's Nest (Taktshang) and Punakha Dzong.
Royal Academy of Performing Arts Bhutan at the International Percussion Festival
Opéra Lausanne 18.11.23
The artists from the Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) performed the classical Drametse Ngachamm (Drum Dance of Drametse) at the Lausanne Opera on 18 November 2023 as the main event. Drametse Ngacham is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is one of the most spiritually treasured mask dances of Bhutan. The participation of the cultural troupe from the Royal Academy of Performing Arts at the festival was coordinated by the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the United Nations in Geneva and supported by Percussions Festival International Lausanne.
Swiss-Bhutanese Concert in Bhutan
Royal University of Bhutan Hall Thimphu 19.10.23
Musicians from Switzerland and Bhutan united at a concert in Thimphu to exchange the diverse cultures of both countries. In what was called a cultural harmony beyond borders, the concert celebrated traditional songs and classical music. The concert of the two well-known Swiss musicians Maurice Steger (flute) and Sebastian Bohren (violin) was sponsored by the SSB member Monika Kramer. The seven Bhutanese artists who performed together with the two Swiss musicians were Jigme Dukpa known for his traditional folk songs and the musicians from the Blind Music Training Institute Thimphu. Our sister organization Bhutan Switzerland Society (BSS) organized the concert.
Training Cheesemakers from Bhutan in Switzerland 11.8. - 21.9.2023
The training in Switzerland for Chimi Dema, Sherub Dorji, Sonam Tshewang and Sherab Dorji was a real success. Producing cheese, ice-cream and even herding Yaks and milking cows were part of their experience.
Thanks to my colleagues from the Society Switzerland-Bhutan and Mountain Grassroots Association Tina Roner and Ruth Schwitter for the great teamwork in organizing the study trip and the events.
A big thank you to the people who were conducting the trainings: Plantahof Landquart, Chascharia Val Müstair, Alpläserei Tschingelfeld Brienz, Glatsch Balnot Surava, Alpgenossenschaft Muttner Alp, Sennerei und Milchbetrieb Splügen, Berglandwirt Jürg Wirth Lavin und „Kalte Lust" Olten
19.8.2023: Special Event: Barbecue Residence of the Bhutan Mission in Geneva
A big thank you to Ambassador Tenzin Rondel Wangchuk and his team for the wonderful invitation for a barbecue with the 4 cheesemakers from Bhutan at the residence of the Bhutan Mission in Geneva. A great opportunity for a lively exchange between the Bhutanese community and SSB-members.
26.8.2023: Special Event: Excursion „Bio Käserei Prättigau“ and „Graubünden Vivonda AG“ Jenaz
Visiting Jenaz with the the four cheesemakers from Bhutan and members of the „Society Society Switzerland - Bhutan“ and „Mountain Grassroot Association“. A big thank you to the „Bio Käserei Prättigau“ and „Graubünden Vivonda AG“ for the interesting guided tours and last but not least thank you Chimi Dema and Sherub Dorji (Gogona), Sonam Tshewang (Bumthang) and Sherab Dorji (Khemdro) for the excellent presentations about your work in Bhutan and your future plans .
Dr. Françoise Pommaret: The Artistic Heritage of Bhutan and its Vitality
Thursday, 6.7.2023, Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich (PHZH)
Dr. Françoise Pommaret was giving a talk in Zurich about „The Artistic Heritage of Bhutan and its Vitality“. For example, she was explaining how traditional arts like weaving textiles for Gho and Kira are influenced by new fashion trends and influencers. Another obvious example are the developments in the art of painting, where Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu (VAST) has had a big influence on developing new ways of expressions based on the roots of Bhutanese culture.
General Assembly 2023 Society Switzerland – Bhutan
Saturday, March 25th, 2023, Generationenhaus Berne
Some impressions of the General Assembly 2023 of the Society Switzerland-Bhutan with the following highlights can be found under Memories (Photos: Markus Wild):
Downloads
- Agenda GA 2023
- Minutes GA 2022
- Accounts 2022 and Budget 2023
- Audit Report 2022
- Flyer Talk Dr. Andreas Galmarini
- Minutes GA 2023
View the Movie "Country Life in the Bumthang Valley Bhutan 1974 – 1982" on YouTube
A Movie by our member Marie-Noëlle Frei-Pont
Dr. Sonam Wangchuk: Ice, Fire & Floods: From global Issues to local Impacts like in Bhutan
Thursday, 9.2.2023, Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich
