IN GRATITUDE ... contd
Swiss Aid has been the single largest donor to the Maharogi Sewa Samiti. In 1960, the Swiss ambassador to India, Dr.J.Cuttat, visited Anandwan at the behest of M.K.Vellody, Indian ambassador to Switzerland. The Ambassador’s visit to Anandwan drew a lot of media attention to Switzerland, which in turn created strong support for the work of Baba Amte. The people of Switzerland joined what Baba calls the ‘Fellowship of Pain’ and donated generously to the people of Anandwan. For 24 years, between 1960 and 1984, this partnership helped build several of the communes, hospitals, schools and colleges at Anandwan.
Pierre Oppliger, former Liaison Officer for Swiss Aid Abroad in India, Service Civil International and Oxfam Australia, has been a friend of Anandwan since 1953.The photograph shows him with Dr.Schnellman, then Secretary General of Swiss Aid Abroad, at the annual Anandwan Fair.