Life gets into high gear as we gradually ease out of summer break and get set for the new academic year. Although this summer came with limitations to travel and several safely measures to be kept in mind, we hope you had a wonderful vacation – or staycation – and are safe, healthy, and rejuvenated.
In this issue:
Aradhna Sethi gives us an insight into the ‘Usthi Foundation’ – a 44-year-old Switzerland-based NGO, started by a Swissair Captain in the 1970s. This foundation works with women and children in remote and backward areas in India – dealing with issues such as human trafficking, skilling, and health. Last month, the Swiss Embassy in India supported the foundation to battle hunger in the times of COVID-19.
Aradhna tells us more about the Pabhoi Greens, an organically certified farm in Assam. This initiative, dedicated to the cause of organic farming and supporting farmers, is running a crowdfunding campaign to support the farmers in India and take them towards self-sufficiency. Do read about it and show your support by donating or sharing.
Vantika Singh tells us more about Snoezelen therapy – an approach that offers a controlled multisensory environment for people with autism and other developmental disabilities, dementia, or brain injury. The therapy helps them explore the artificially created environment rich in visual stimulus without any stress and anxiety.
Who would have thought there would be a time when a show at the Royal Opera House would be viewed in another country? Sowgandhika Krishnan makes the most of the online airings of operas in this new normal. She reviews La Bohème for our readers.
Switzerland is such a beautiful country. It can be explored in any season, but summer is special. The greenery and blue skies enchant the landscape. Here are a few places that Smita Swamy strongly recommend for your family weekend get-aways.
Brindarica Bose writes about her perceptions of ‘creativity’, combined with few anecdotes. She explores the creative process and gives us an insight into honing our creative sides.
Just in time for the new school year in Switzerland, Chetana Parameswar shares some of her ‘Znuni’ and ‘Zveri’ recipes such as sandwiches, broccoli paneer tikkis, and banana chocolate puffed pancakes.
In this series on learning a new language, Samvidha Srinath shares her tips and techniques to stay focussed.
Insurance columnist Ritesh Sood gives us pointers on how we should plan for retirement and explains what are the three pension pillars.
Don’t forget to check out the August quiz presented by Qwizzeria, to exercise those cerebral muscles.
We wish our readers a sunny August and to our younger readers, a great start to the new academic year ahead!
Best regards,
Team Namaste Switzerland
Illustration by Sharanya Mageshwaran
Disclaimer: Namaste Switzerland does not undertake any financial, reputational, legal, misrepresentational or other obligation or liability which may arise from the content of this article.
