This is how things work in Switzerland ..

Really commendable and worth learning a few lessons from the Swiss! I would really like to live in such a beautiful country if given a chance!

"Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhanthu". Let all the people live in happiness was mentioned in Upanishads. The Swiss Government follows it in letter and spirit. Switzerland features a system of Government not seen in any other Nation.  Its  aim and objective is  offering welfare and security to its subjects. This is what Modi Government emphasized in Saharanpur, UP, while speaking in a rally to mark completion of two years of his Government. I wish him all success in making this country an ideal and exemplary democracy.

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

Really commendable and worth learning a few lessons from the Swiss! I would really like to live in such a beautiful country if given a chance!

Switzerland is definitely a little piece of heaven on earth and it cannot get better than that . But weather except during the shoot summer can be a dampener to those who have glorious sunshine all through  the year , other than that , they really look after their citizens well!

usha manohar wrote:

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

Really commendable and worth learning a few lessons from the Swiss! I would really like to live in such a beautiful country if given a chance!

Switzerland is definitely a little piece of heaven on earth and it cannot get better than that . But weather except during the shoot summer can be a dampener to those who have glorious sunshine all through  the year , other than that , they really look after their citizens well!

Weather can be tolerated if a person can find peace of mind, beautiful nature and the respect a human being is due from others. I think your daughter has settled in Switzerland, isn't it?

Switzrland is a beautiful country with population around 7 million, less than Mumbai. They have access to huge illegal funds from world over at zero interest which has financed the industrial growth profitably. Swiss are enterprising and innovative. The country as clean as a five star hospital. Eficiency levels are very high. It may take typical Indian lot of time to adjust. Indian nurses are in great demand and their husband's find dificulty in getting jobs and many of them develop drinking habits. Unless one is highly qualified integration in their society is difficult. Loneliness sets in. However for sometime it is a wonderful country and some may like it also.

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

Really commendable and worth learning a few lessons from the Swiss! I would really like to live in such a beautiful country if given a chance!

Switzerland is definitely a little piece of heaven on earth and it cannot get better than that . But weather except during the shoot summer can be a dampener to those who have glorious sunshine all through  the year , other than that , they really look after their citizens well!

Weather can be tolerated if a person can find peace of mind, beautiful nature and the respect a human being is due from others. I think your daughter has settled in Switzerland, isn't it?

Yes Kalyani my older daughter lives in Switzerland, in a small village close to Bern. The unique feature that the Swiss have in their governance is that for any law to be passed whether it is internal or an issue of immigrants or the one that I have quoted here in this discussion, all citizens have to cast their votes and only when there is 90% or more consensus , the law gets passed or else it gets shelved for the moment at least ..This has made all of them very aware of their rights as citizens .

I may further add , not just rights but responsibilities too that come with the rights ...The Swiss are a very aware lot because of this responsibility given to them to be a part of decision making that becomes the law of the land!

usha manohar wrote:

I may further add , not just rights but responsibilities too that come with the rights ...The Swiss are a very aware lot because of this responsibility given to them to be a part of decision making that becomes the law of the land!

How is a country its depends of its citizens. If every citizen realise that they have some duty to the nation no one can stop that nation to be great nation. Here in India situtation is adverse to it. Here we want to enjoy rights without any duty.

I have been to Switzerland twice. It's a wonderful place, but now they are wary of Muslims and have banned the head scarf in schools for Muslim girls. I did not see a single woman in Burkha there as well. but again Switzerland has a unique culture. It's a haven for all ill-gotten wealth. Even the Nazi's stocked personal wealth in Switzerland. The country lives on the goodwill of the nations around it. Even Hitler spared it an invasion though it was a 2-day job to overrun it.  Many Indians including Sanjay Gandhi as well as the Bhutto's of  Pakistan had accounts in Swiss banks. 

When I after leaving service was the Director of the GRAND HYATT at Mumbai, my boss was a Swiss man. he was surprised at the freedom in India. I like Switzerland and went there with my American girl, nice place for a holiday, nothing more.

usha manohar wrote:

I may further add , not just rights but responsibilities too that come with the rights ...The Swiss are a very aware lot because of this responsibility given to them to be a part of decision making that becomes the law of the land!

All this can be done in a tiny country like Switzerland. Its population is not even 30% of Mumbai. people are talking of following the example of this nation. There is no comparison it is more like a city-state( Athens and Sparta).Again its prosperity is due to trillions of dollars being parked in their  banks as per state policy. These are secret accounts. Does India want to follow this? If we follow , I am sure we will be richer than Switzerland. The cold and snow are terrible. India's Gulmarg where I have been half a dozen time is much better.

Yes. Narendra Modi Government has to abide by the poll promises made after it came to power with regards to Black money stashed in Swiss Banks by Indians. A 90 days Black money window announced last year proved to be a failure. No wonder, the Director of Grand Hyatt for his surprise over the excess freedom in India. Coming back to the subject , yes,Switzerland is a good holiday haven. Thanks for sharing your experiences in Switzerland.

MG Singh wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

I may further add , not just rights but responsibilities too that come with the rights ...The Swiss are a very aware lot because of this responsibility given to them to be a part of decision making that becomes the law of the land!

All this can be done in a tiny country like Switzerland. Its population is not even 30% of Mumbai. people are talking of following the example of this nation. There is no comparison it is more like a city-state( Athens and Sparta).Again its prosperity is due to trillions of dollars being parked in their  banks as per state policy. These are secret accounts. Does India want to follow this? If we follow , I am sure we will be richer than Switzerland. The cold and snow are terrible. India's Gulmarg where I have been half a dozen time is much better.

I totally agree with you that the population of Switzerland is very small compared to even other European nations. Most of the population is concentrated in major cities like Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Basel, Winterthur etc..And even then Zurich has less than a million people . In the village where my daughter lives the population is less than 2,000 and everyone knows everyone ! This fact gives them the advantage of being able to implement law and discipline effectively !

As far as banking is concerned, there are corporate and family owned banks which in fact have most of the secret bank accounts. According to one of our family friends who works for Deutsche Bank, there have been a lot of reforms taking place with accounts being made transparent. However, it is definitely not the major source of income for Switzerland since they have many industries that are top class , like Swiss watches ( Tissot, Longines., Omega, Rolex, Hublot, Rado, Piaget to name a few )  Swiss Chocolates  and Cheese, which are again probably the best in the world and of course pharmaceuticals . Their medical care and hospitals are the best and of course they have huge revenue coming in from tourism. 

usha manohar wrote:

MG Singh wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

I may further add , not just rights but responsibilities too that come with the rights ...The Swiss are a very aware lot because of this responsibility given to them to be a part of decision making that becomes the law of the land!

All this can be done in a tiny country like Switzerland. Its population is not even 30% of Mumbai. people are talking of following the example of this nation. There is no comparison it is more like a city-state( Athens and Sparta).Again its prosperity is due to trillions of dollars being parked in their  banks as per state policy. These are secret accounts. Does India want to follow this? If we follow , I am sure we will be richer than Switzerland. The cold and snow are terrible. India's Gulmarg where I have been half a dozen time is much better.

I totally agree with you that the population of Switzerland is very small compared to even other European nations. Most of the population is concentrated in major cities like Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Basel, Winterthur etc..And even then Zurich has less than a million people . In the village where my daughter lives the population is less than 2,000 and everyone knows everyone ! This fact gives them the advantage of being able to implement law and discipline effectively !

As far as banking is concerned, there are corporate and family owned banks which in fact have most of the secret bank accounts. According to one of our family friends who works for Deutsche Bank, there have been a lot of reforms taking place with accounts being made transparent. However, it is definitely not the major source of income for Switzerland since they have many industries that are top class , like Swiss watches ( Tissot, Longines., Omega, Rolex, Hublot, Rado, Piaget to name a few )  Swiss Chocolates  and Cheese, which are again probably the best in the world and of course pharmaceuticals . Their medical care and hospitals are the best and of course they have huge revenue coming in from tourism. 

True...Switzerland does not survive only on banks but they are manufacturers of world class watches, chocolates, cheeses etc. And my point is, give credit where it is due. They may be a haven for hiding money for people from all over the world but they are not causing any kind of harm to any one or their own people. Blame it on those who take money away from their own countries. Swiss are the most polite, friendly and honest people with more integrity than most of the world combined.

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

MG Singh wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

I may further add , not just rights but responsibilities too that come with the rights ...The Swiss are a very aware lot because of this responsibility given to them to be a part of decision making that becomes the law of the land!

All this can be done in a tiny country like Switzerland. Its population is not even 30% of Mumbai. people are talking of following the example of this nation. There is no comparison it is more like a city-state( Athens and Sparta).Again its prosperity is due to trillions of dollars being parked in their  banks as per state policy. These are secret accounts. Does India want to follow this? If we follow , I am sure we will be richer than Switzerland. The cold and snow are terrible. India's Gulmarg where I have been half a dozen time is much better.

I totally agree with you that the population of Switzerland is very small compared to even other European nations. Most of the population is concentrated in major cities like Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Basel, Winterthur etc..And even then Zurich has less than a million people . In the village where my daughter lives the population is less than 2,000 and everyone knows everyone ! This fact gives them the advantage of being able to implement law and discipline effectively !

As far as banking is concerned, there are corporate and family owned banks which in fact have most of the secret bank accounts. According to one of our family friends who works for Deutsche Bank, there have been a lot of reforms taking place with accounts being made transparent. However, it is definitely not the major source of income for Switzerland since they have many industries that are top class , like Swiss watches ( Tissot, Longines., Omega, Rolex, Hublot, Rado, Piaget to name a few )  Swiss Chocolates  and Cheese, which are again probably the best in the world and of course pharmaceuticals . Their medical care and hospitals are the best and of course they have huge revenue coming in from tourism. 

True...Switzerland does not survive only on banks but they are manufacturers of world class watches, chocolates, cheeses etc. And my point is, give credit where it is due. They may be a haven for hiding money for people from all over the world but they are not causing any kind of harm to any one or their own people. Blame it on those who take money away from their own countries. Swiss are the most polite, friendly and honest people with more integrity than most of the world combined.

That is true Kalyani, inspite of the adverse weather conditions, since it is cold and wet most days close to the mountains , you see the Swiss are out in the open carrying on with their daily routine and probably hardy and very fit because of that. As far as banking goes it was apparently thrust on them by Hitler and his aides who were in control of Switzerland , Austria and most of Europe . The tradition of keeping gold and important documents in huge vaults started then and continues although now they have become very conscious of world opinion and have been opening up the accounts and account holders names. But the family owned banks are apparently resisting this , which is understandable !

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

MG Singh wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

I may further add , not just rights but responsibilities too that come with the rights ...The Swiss are a very aware lot because of this responsibility given to them to be a part of decision making that becomes the law of the land!

All this can be done in a tiny country like Switzerland. Its population is not even 30% of Mumbai. people are talking of following the example of this nation. There is no comparison it is more like a city-state( Athens and Sparta).Again its prosperity is due to trillions of dollars being parked in their  banks as per state policy. These are secret accounts. Does India want to follow this? If we follow , I am sure we will be richer than Switzerland. The cold and snow are terrible. India's Gulmarg where I have been half a dozen time is much better.

I totally agree with you that the population of Switzerland is very small compared to even other European nations. Most of the population is concentrated in major cities like Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Basel, Winterthur etc..And even then Zurich has less than a million people . In the village where my daughter lives the population is less than 2,000 and everyone knows everyone ! This fact gives them the advantage of being able to implement law and discipline effectively !

As far as banking is concerned, there are corporate and family owned banks which in fact have most of the secret bank accounts. According to one of our family friends who works for Deutsche Bank, there have been a lot of reforms taking place with accounts being made transparent. However, it is definitely not the major source of income for Switzerland since they have many industries that are top class , like Swiss watches ( Tissot, Longines., Omega, Rolex, Hublot, Rado, Piaget to name a few )  Swiss Chocolates  and Cheese, which are again probably the best in the world and of course pharmaceuticals . Their medical care and hospitals are the best and of course they have huge revenue coming in from tourism. 

True...Switzerland does not survive only on banks but they are manufacturers of world class watches, chocolates, cheeses etc. And my point is, give credit where it is due. They may be a haven for hiding money for people from all over the world but they are not causing any kind of harm to any one or their own people. Blame it on those who take money away from their own countries. Swiss are the most polite, friendly and honest people with more integrity than most of the world combined.

Many people comment just for the heck of commenting like stating that Swiss economy is not dependent on banking and parking of funds. Here is what is written in Wikipedia "Switzerland a safe haven for investors, creating an economy that is increasingly dependent on a steady tide of foreign investment". What does it Mean?

@ MG ...I am quoting some paras from the same link you gave above ..

The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report currently ranks Switzerland's economy as the most competitive in the world,^[79] while ranked by the European Union as Europe's most innovative country.^[80] For much of the 20th century, Switzerland was the wealthiest country in Europe by a considerable margin (by GDP – per capita).^[81] In 2007 the gross median household income in Switzerland was an estimated 137,094 USD at Purchasing power parity while the median income was 95,824 USD.^[82] Switzerland also has one of the world's largest account balances as a percentage of GDP.

Switzerland is home to several large multinational corporations. The largest Swiss companies by revenue are Glencore, Gunvor, Nestlé, Novartis,Hoffmann-La Roche, ABB, Mercuria Energy Group and Adecco.^[84] Also, notable are UBS AG, Zurich Financial Services, Credit Suisse, Barry Callebaut, Swiss Re, Tetra Pak, The Swatch Group and Swiss International Air Lines. Switzerland is ranked as having one of the most powerful economies in the world.^[81]

Switzerland's most important economic sector is manufacturing. Manufacturing consists largely of the production of specialist chemicals, health and pharmaceutical goods, scientific and precision measuring instruments and musical instruments. The largest exported goods are chemicals (34% of exported goods), machines/electronics (20.9%), and precision instruments/watches (16.9%).^[85] Exported services amount to a third of exports.^[85] The service sector – especially banking and insurance, tourism, and international organisations – is another important industry for Switzerland.

Around 3.8 million people work in Switzerland; about 25% of employees belonged to a trade union in 2004.^[86] Switzerland has a more flexible job market than neighbouring countries and the unemployment rate is very low. The unemployment rate increased from a low of 1.7% in June 2000 to a peak of 4.4% in December 2009.^[87] The unemployment rate is 3.2% in 2014.^[88] Population growth from net immigration is quite high, at 0.52% of population in 2004.^[85] The foreign citizen population was 21.8% in 2004,^[85] about the same as in Australia. GDP per hour worked is the world's 16th highest, at 49.46 international dollars in 2012.^[89]

The Engadin Valley. Tourism constitutes an important revenue for the less industrialised alpine regions.

Switzerland has an overwhelmingly private sector economy and low tax rates by Western World standards;overall taxation is one of the smallest of developed countries.

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

Really commendable and worth learning a few lessons from the Swiss! I would really like to live in such a beautiful country if given a chance!

yeah, there is no one in the world who don't want to live in a peaceful and secure environment, if i too get the chance i will surely live there, my whole left life.

MG Singh wrote:

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

MG Singh wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

I may further add , not just rights but responsibilities too that come with the rights ...The Swiss are a very aware lot because of this responsibility given to them to be a part of decision making that becomes the law of the land!

All this can be done in a tiny country like Switzerland. Its population is not even 30% of Mumbai. people are talking of following the example of this nation. There is no comparison it is more like a city-state( Athens and Sparta).Again its prosperity is due to trillions of dollars being parked in their  banks as per state policy. These are secret accounts. Does India want to follow this? If we follow , I am sure we will be richer than Switzerland. The cold and snow are terrible. India's Gulmarg where I have been half a dozen time is much better.

I totally agree with you that the population of Switzerland is very small compared to even other European nations. Most of the population is concentrated in major cities like Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Basel, Winterthur etc..And even then Zurich has less than a million people . In the village where my daughter lives the population is less than 2,000 and everyone knows everyone ! This fact gives them the advantage of being able to implement law and discipline effectively !

As far as banking is concerned, there are corporate and family owned banks which in fact have most of the secret bank accounts. According to one of our family friends who works for Deutsche Bank, there have been a lot of reforms taking place with accounts being made transparent. However, it is definitely not the major source of income for Switzerland since they have many industries that are top class , like Swiss watches ( Tissot, Longines., Omega, Rolex, Hublot, Rado, Piaget to name a few )  Swiss Chocolates  and Cheese, which are again probably the best in the world and of course pharmaceuticals . Their medical care and hospitals are the best and of course they have huge revenue coming in from tourism. 

True...Switzerland does not survive only on banks but they are manufacturers of world class watches, chocolates, cheeses etc. And my point is, give credit where it is due. They may be a haven for hiding money for people from all over the world but they are not causing any kind of harm to any one or their own people. Blame it on those who take money away from their own countries. Swiss are the most polite, friendly and honest people with more integrity than most of the world combined.

Many people comment just for the heck of commenting like stating that Swiss economy is not dependent on banking and parking of funds. Here is what is written in Wikipedia "Switzerland a safe haven for investors, creating an economy that is increasingly dependent on a steady tide of foreign investment". What does it Mean?

YOu might find it surprising but I can read and understand what I have read, before making my comment I did go through the trouble of finding out about the economy of Switzerland, Also I may add, that it has become rather fashionable to speak negatively about banking industry in Switzerland because it is linked with black money but more than that, there are also many who invest honest money in banks there and of course, you can read Usha's post to know more about its economy! ''

At least as far I am concerned, do not make the mistake of accusing me of 'commenting just for the heck of it'! Take the efforts to read more info because others too can read and grasp written info!

The pharma industry in Switzerland is a huge revenue generator.

I sincerely doubt a nation as caring of its citizens as Switzerland , which also has the lowest crime rate in the world would be so lax . They are very particular about keeping up their image and it is the most difficult country for any immigrants to get into. They are extremely strict with their immigration rules and even when they grant asylum , they make sure that the individuals are watched all the time. We have seen what has happened in France and other European countries where the asylum seekers have retaliated against the very country that has given them shelter !