What has since grown into the Usthi Foundation was inaugurated, 50 years ago, with courage and dedication.
In 1976, Edeltrud and Kurt Bürki set up a soup kitchen in the Topsia slum of Kolkata, offering a hot meal to children with nowhere to go and no prospects. Over the course of five decades, this initiative has grown into the Usthi Foundation, which supports young people in India and Nepal on their journey towards a self-determined future.
Today, we look back with great gratitude on 50 years of commitment, encounters and shared learning. This special anniversary is an opportunity for us to say thank you and to celebrate together with you. Discover our anniversary publication and take part in our events.
Join us in looking back
An anniversary provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on this long journey: thanks to the invaluable efforts of volunteers, an anniversary publication has been produced that brings the history of the Usthi Foundation to life. In it, founder Kurt Bürki takes us back to the beginnings of the Usthi movement and recounts the defining moments of the last 50 years.
The anniversary publication ‘Creating prospects for young people in India and Nepal. 50 years of the Usthi Foundation 1976–2026’ offers an insight into an eventful history full of dedication, challenges and shared successes.
Join us in celebrating
To mark our 50th anniversary, we warmly invite you to a range of events. Together, we would like to celebrate, discover more facets of India and Nepal, and engage in conversation with one another.
Whether it is a guided tour of the Indian collection at the Museum Rietberg, a creative block-printing workshop or the grand anniversary celebration at Rapperswil Castle – each event offers its own unique insight into the world of Usthi.
You can find all the information about the individual events and how to register below. As places are limited, registration is required for all events. Please note that all events will be held in German.
Guided tour at the Rietberg Museum, 30 May 2026
Guided tour at the Rietberg Museum, 30 May 2026
On a guided tour of the Rietberg Museum’s Indian collection, you will be immersed in the fascinating history and culture of India. The collection features Indian art objects and statues dating back a full 2,000 years, highlighting the subcontinent as the birthplace of three religions: Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.
We have the wonderful opportunity to learn more about the religious and cultural context of the Usthi project regions during an exclusive guided tour.
The aperitif that follows offers the chance to get to know Usthi and have a chat with us.
You will receive detailed information about the event by email around two weeks beforehand.
Time: 2.45–4.00 pm, followed by an aperitif
Place: Museum Rietberg, Zurich
Language: German
Registration deadline: 27 May 2026 (limited places)
Block-printing workshop, 28 June 2026
Block-printing workshop, 28 June 2026
Experience the traditional Indian block-printing technique and create your own textile or paper artworks. Using hand-carved stamps, we’ll print onto materials you bring along, such as clothing, fabrics or paper products.
In collaboration with maasa, we are offering two workshops, taking place either in the morning or the afternoon, which provide scope for creativity and exchange.
You must bring your own materials to be printed on. Materials made from natural fibres such as cotton, hemp, linen or viscose, which have a smooth texture, are suitable.
Around two weeks before the event, you will receive detailed information about the workshop and how to get there by email.
If you’d like to find some inspiration in advance, please visit the website of maasa, where you’ll find examples of the traditional block-printing technique.
Workshop 1: 10 am – 1 pm
Workshop 2: 2 pm – 5 pm
Place: Atelier maasa, Wädenswil
Costs: The cost to us is 80 Swiss francs per person. We would appreciate a contribution towards this in the form of a voluntary donation to Usthi.
Language: German
Registration deadline: 23 June 2026 (limited places)
Anniversary Celebration, 13 September 2026
Anniversary Celebration, 13 September 2026
The highlight of our anniversary year will be a festive afternoon at Rapperswil Castle.
The renowned Swiss chamber orchestra Festival Strings Lucerne will take us on a musical journey through the history of Usthi. We are also delighted to welcome Ratan Barik, director of Usthi’s long-standing partner organisation in India, and Benedikt Würth, Member of the Council of States, as guest speakers.
Following the programme, a festive drinks reception will provide an opportunity for personal conversation.
Doors open: 3 pm
Start of the programme: 3:30 pm
Venue: Rapperswil Castle
Language: German
Registration deadline: 14 August 2026 (limited places)
Do you have any questions?
Would you like to find out more about the events? Anina Fornerod will be happy to provide you with further information (info@usthi.ch / +41 55 511 21 25).