Deference to the Difference

“Deference to the Difference”

By

J.L.Gupta

The airline looked after the passengers. Smiling hostesses. A variety of beverages. Sumptuous meals. All combined to make the flight smooth. The hours passed faster than I had expected. Finally, we were in Zurich.

A man in uniform. On the aero-bridge. He checked every passport. Scanned every passenger from head to toe. But with a smile. And when he saw me with seven passports and the two grand children, he just asked –“Family on a holiday? Have a good time Sir!” In less than 15 minutes, all of about 300 passengers were out.

And then an underground train. The baggage lounge. The bags. Immigration. We were out of the airport in less than half an hour of the landing. Amazing?

A drizzle. Also a nip in the air. We got into the coach. The drive through the town was interesting. Also fast. In fact, after having seen the movement of traffic in Delhi, it seemed too fast. And soon, we were in the hotel. The driver took out the bags. The lady at the reception delivered the room keys and gave directions. Everyone carried a bag or even two.

Thereafter, the seven days in Switzerland were splendid. The snow covered Alps, thick forests, lakes and waterfalls provide a feast for the eyes. The country is a continuing postcard. Adding to the scenic splendour is the aroma in the air. The elements combine to make the country, a health resort. The country gives the visitor a happy holiday.

            True, nature has been kind. But the best part is the people. They have preserved the gift of God. Nobody throws a piece of paper or plastic in the park or any public place. And yet they scrub the roads. Still more, the people are disciplined. I did not hear a driver honk. Despite the fact that the people drive the machines really fast. Nor did I see a single cop in seven days. On the road or off it.  

           

And then, they are efficient. We had gone to a place called Jungfraujoch. It is described as the ‘Top of Europe.’ It has ‘Bollywood’ – an Indian restaurant. It gave us a good lunch. And just then, the cog-wheel train for our return journey was announced. In the hurry, I forgot my spectacles somewhere in the complex. I realized this only after we had got down at the next station.

            I went to the nearest office. I was not sure if the man had understood me. But next morning the hotel reception informed me that they had a packet for me. My pen, pencil and spectacles. Everything, as it was. Delivered at a distance of about 300 Kms. Sometime during the night. In less than 12 hours. Without having to pay anything.

           

           

In the evening of June 2, we were in Bern. It is the country’s capital. And we were in front of the Federal Palace – the Parliament House. There was no guard. No one in any kind of uniform. Can we get in? Can we see the Swiss legislature in session? Can we get some literature about the country’s system of governance? Different thoughts were crossing the mind.

And suddenly, we saw a couple of people coming out. They looked friendly. He smiled. “Tourists?” Yes! I responded. “From where?” India. “What part of India?” New Delhi. “Oh! I have been to India. Stayed in the Viceregal Lodge.” You mean the Rashtrapati Bhavan – the President’s house? “Oh yes! Have you seen it?”

             My son answered for me. Papa is a former High Court Chief Justice. He has attended a few functions at the Presidential palace.

            “Oh! We have lot of regard for Justices. What can we do for you? Like to look around? Would you be interested in knowing about our system?” He caught me by the arm. Lead us to a room. Explained a few things. Answered a few questions. Picked up a few pamphlets and gave them to me. And then he told the gentleman with him to take care of us. A warm handshake and a friendly smile. He walked out of the room and continued on his way.

            This young man was patient. Also knowledgeable. He knew about the Swiss system of governance. “The National Council has 200 members. They represent the people. The Council of States represents the 26 cantons. Both chambers are directly elected by the people. When in joint session, it is known as the United Federal Assembly. It is the legislative authority. It also elects the seven members of the Federal Council for a four year term. And then there are the Federal Supreme Court, Insurance Court and the Criminal Court giving the highest rulings.”

            Finally, it was time to part. We thanked him profusely. He took care to give us two visiting cards. And then I discovered that the man with the friendly smile was Mr. Pascal Couchepin, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs – the Swiss counterpart of our Union Home Minister.

            No gunmen. No pilot or escort cars. No hooters. No disturbance to anyone. He had just walked to his car and driven away. And then the driver asked me – how do you know the former President of Switzerland? Oh yes! Mr. Pascal Couchepin was the Swiss President in the year 2003. And this was a pleasant encounter.

            The Swiss are a people with a difference. We must show deference to this difference. Should we not emulate the good in them? For our own good!

Photos by the author.