The picture full stories - how he travelled to- and explored India, having thousands of people building a factory “ICF”, living in a different climate and thinking of my mam playing with elephants.

The day when he got visitors of his Indian work mate, family Swarup, I knew it - I will travel to India – I have to learn more about it and I have to see “”his factory””. This was driven at the time his friends visiting our family in Switzerland. I was touched by them, so friendly, openhearted people, the colour of their beautiful saris…. they told me about the variety of flavours and spices.

In Nov. 1996 I was ready for takeoff after finishing my studies and working at the same time. I took my mother along to Calcutta to visit her school friends. I contacted the Family Swarup in Jamnagar and Mumbai for assistance to arrange a visit at ICF. I told them about my unspoken childhood commitment to my grandfather, which passed away in the meantime to visit “his” factory.

After a visit in Jamnagar and Mumbai it was arranged –Time and date was fixed. I had this letter in my hand and carried it carefully with me around in India. It was the key to my commitment.

When I finally arrived in Chennai/Madras – travelling as a backpacker - I stayed at a friends place and had just to provide my address to ICF to let them know where to pick me up. - I did so – Early morning hectic in the house the mother of my friend running into my bedroom: Lukas - Lukas - The ministers’ limousine and escort is in front of the house. I felt embarrassed. No one told me about this!

My Indian friends dressed me up - and - off I jumped in the Limo and hit the road. At ICF the CEO invited me for tee and cakes. I had a little present ready for him and brought a personal photo album with me to show him. Before I got a chance to hand it over he introduced me to all the people waiting next door.
Photos got taken - and he presented on a big wall with photo prints - the history of ICF - photos of my grandfather from day one till the production was running. Suddenly he told me that some pictures are missing of a couple of important visitors and of several occasions. I showed him my little photo album which I brought along. After he had a closer look I got the biggest hug ever. This was his response and I had no clue what’s happened to him. He found photos in it to fulfill the ICF history wall. He copied the photos of

ICF was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 02 Oct 1955. Production began in a modest manner in 1955 with the manufacture of seven third class coach shells. Today the coach factory produces more than 1100 coaches ofmore than 170 varieties.