Tamil Book “Vairakuduvai” Launch Event to Be Held in Bern, Switzerland

A special Tamil literary event is set to take place in Bern, where the new book titled “Vairakuduvai” will be officially launched. The event aims to promote Tamil literature and strengthen cultural ties within the Tamil community in Switzerland.

The book launch ceremony will be held on May 9, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the Tamil cultural venue located at Europaplatz B1, Bern Tamil Cultural Center. The event is expected to bring together writers, artists, and members of the Tamil diaspora.

The book “Vairakuduvai” has been authored by Th. Thilak (Kiri). The event will be presided over by Janani Karthigesu.

The program will begin with a welcome dance performance by students of Thirukoneshwara Nadanalaya. This will be followed by the welcome address delivered by Ms. Theelini Ketheeswaran.

A special blessing speech will be presented by Sivarusi Dharmalingam Sasi Kumar, adding cultural and spiritual significance to the event.

Several distinguished speakers, including Rasathurai Sivakanesan, Manimoli Kripakaran, and Aadhilakshmi Sivakumar, will deliver keynote addresses during the ceremony. The event will also include a felicitation segment honoring notable personalities for their contributions.

Cultural performances, including dance presentations led by Aadhilakshmi Sivakumar, will be featured as part of the celebrations. The event will conclude with a vote of thanks, marking the successful completion of the program.

Organizers have extended an invitation to Tamil literature enthusiasts, writers, and the general public to participate and support this important cultural and literary event, which aims to strengthen Tamil heritage and community bonds in Switzerland.

‘King of Switzerland’ Wins Partial Victory in Armoured Vehicle Case

Self-proclaimed “King of Switzerland,” Jonas Lauwiner, has secured a partial legal victory in a dispute over his armoured vehicle in Switzerland.

The Bern Administrative Court ruled that authorities must reassess their decision to revoke the licence and number plates of Lauwiner’s vehicle. The court found that the withdrawal was ordered without a sufficiently detailed evaluation of roadworthiness and operational safety.

The ruling partially overturned a previous decision by the cantonal safety directorate. Judges stated that officials should have conducted a comprehensive technical review before taking action.

This decision means the case is not fully resolved, but it strengthens Lauwiner’s legal position. The case revolves around a decommissioned BRDM-2, which Lauwiner imported from Germany.

• Initially registered in the canton of Zug
• Later moved to the canton of Bern
• Licence revoked due to safety concerns

Authorities cited issues such as sharp edges and potential risks to road users. Lauwiner argued that the vehicle had already passed inspections and met Swiss legal standards when it was first registered. He claimed that Bern authorities relied on assumptions rather than verified technical assessments. The Road Traffic Office must now re-evaluate the case based on proper safety analysis. The final outcome will depend on whether the vehicle meets all regulatory requirements.

Anti-Consumerists Push for Advertising-Free Bern Initiative.

A citizen-led initiative in Bern is calling for a ban on commercial advertising in public spaces as part of a proposal titled “Bern without advertising.”

The initiative aims to remove consumer marketing from outdoor billboards and digital advertising screens across the city. However, cultural posters, public announcements, and local information boards would remain exempt from the ban.

Supporters of the proposal argue that reducing commercial advertising will help limit corporate influence in public spaces and create a more visually neutral urban environment.

In 2024, the Bern city council initially approved a motion to restrict advertising. However, during discussions on the 2026 budget, lawmakers reconsidered the plan, citing financial concerns.

Officials noted that advertising space generates more than Swiss Franc 5 million annually for the city, making it an important source of municipal revenue.

As a result, the debate has intensified between those advocating for a cleaner public space and those prioritizing financial stability for the city budget.

The proposal will continue to be discussed as Bern weighs economic needs against public space regulation.