Six decades after the Tibetan settlement was established in Ruti, generations come together to honour their pioneers, celebrate their heritage and reaffirm their commitment to preserving Tibetan identity
Sixty years after the establishment of the Tibetan settlement in Ruti, Zurich, the Tibetan community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein gathered on Saturday to celebrate a remarkable chapter of community life, cultural preservation and shared history. The anniversary brought together generations of Tibetans alongside Swiss supporters, local representatives, members of the Tibet Institute Rikon and guests from across Switzerland.
Held at the Grosser Löwensaal in Ruti, the day-long celebration honoured the pioneers who helped establish the settlement in 1965 while highlighting the continued efforts of the community to preserve Tibetan language, culture, traditions and identity for future generations.
A Day of Remembrance and Celebration
The programme opened with a procession carrying a portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The procession was led by the monastic community of the Tibet Institute Rikon and guests of honour. It was followed by a Mandrel Degbhuel offering presented by Kunga Lhodzotsang representing the Ruti section and Thinlay Chukki representing His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan national anthem was performed by the Tibetan Folklore Ensemble followed by a minute of silence in memory of Tibetan martyrs. The Abbot and monastic community of the Tibet Institute Rikon then led a joint prayer. Participants were served traditional Dre-si or sweet rice and Bhö-jha or butter tea. The afternoon programme placed Tibetan culture at the centre of the celebration. Traditional music and dance performances including Tashi Shölpa showcased the heritage that has been maintained by generations of Tibetans living in Switzerland.
Honouring the Pioneers
Welcome remarks were delivered by Kunga Lhodzotsang followed by addresses from Venerable Khenpo Tenzin Jangchup Abbot of the Tibet Institute Rikon; Yvonne Bürgin Mayor of Ruti and Thinlay Chukki Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from the Tibet Bureau Geneva. In her address Thinlay Chukki paid tribute to the older generations of Tibetans who contributed to establishing the Ruti settlement. She highlighted their efforts to preserve Tibetan language, culture and identity while guiding younger generations. She expressed particular gratitude to the late Sigrid Joss-Arnd former head of the Swiss Red Cross and Willi Botta former president of the housing cooperative involved in the construction of the Tibetan Home in 1965. Their families and other Swiss supporters were also recognised for their contribution to the settlement.
The organisers formally acknowledged the contributions of Yvonne Bürgin, the late Sigrid Joss-Arnd and Willi Botta during the anniversary programme.
Preserving Tibetan Identity
The anniversary celebration also coincided with what Thinlay Chukki described as Tibetan Identity Preservation Week. Her remarks addressed concerns within the Tibetan community regarding language, cultural preservation and education in Tibet. She referred to China’s recently introduced Ethnic Unity and Progress Law and expressed concern that its emphasis on Mandarin and Chinese national identity could affect Tibetan linguistic and cultural identity. She also raised concerns about Tibetan children attending residential schools particularly regarding the preservation of Tibetan language and cultural education. These remarks reflected positions expressed by the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan community concerning cultural and linguistic preservation. Thinlay Chukki said the community’s response was to strengthen efforts to educate younger Tibetans about their language, heritage, identity and Buddhist traditions.
Remembering Swiss Support
The celebration also recognised the longstanding support of Swiss society. Thinlay Chukki expressed gratitude to the Swiss people, the Swiss government, cantonal authorities, the Canton of Zurich, the municipality of Ruti and the Swiss Red Cross for their contribution to the Tibetan community. A short film titled 60 Years of Tibetans in Ruti was presented by Tashi Ngorkhangsar. Further speeches followed from Kelsang Kerang President of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and Willi Botta who was involved in the housing cooperative during the construction of the Tibetan Home.
Culture Connects Generations
Traditional performances remained a central part of the celebration. Local Tibetan groups, the Folklore Ensemble and the Jona-Rapperswil Tibetan School presented songs and dances including Dranyen Shabdro, Go Namyang Magur or Never Give Up and Cholsum Mirig. The evening concluded with an open Gorshey where participants joined together in traditional Tibetan folk dancing.
Conclusion
The 60th anniversary of the Rüti settlement was more than a commemoration of the past. It was a celebration of a community that has built a life in Switzerland while continuing to preserve its language, culture, Buddhist traditions and identity. From the establishment of the Tibetan Home in 1965 to the present day, generations of Tibetans have contributed to the growth of their community while developing lasting connections with Swiss society. The anniversary honoured those who laid its foundations and those who supported its development. As the celebration concluded with traditional music and dancing the 60-year journey of the Tibetan community in Rüti stood as a reminder that cultural heritage remains alive when it is practised, shared and passed from one generation to the next. Six decades on the community continues to carry forward its language, traditions and identity while looking towards the future.
