‘Celebrating platinum jubilee of diplomatic relations with India’
The Consul General of France in Mumbai, His Excellency Jean-Marc Séré- Charlet, hosted a reception to commemorate the French National Day on 14 th July 2022 at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The Commissioner and Administrator of Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Iqbal Singh Chahal was the chief guest while Film star Aditi Rao Hydari was the Guest of Honour.
Mumbai Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal is hailed as the Covid warrior and talented actress Aditi Rao Hydari attended the Cannes Film Festival 2022. She was a member of the Indian delegation at the Cannes International film festival this year. She walked the famous “red carpet” in Cannes with great elegance and charm.
At the Bastille Day event, all guests were welcomed by the H.E. Consul General Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet. The event was draped with red, white and blue, from the French tricolour flag while the music band of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command, Mumbai played the National Anthems of France and India. The reception marked the French Consulate’s first mega event post pandemic, as in 2020 and 2021, it organised virtual celebrations of Bastille Day due to coronavirus concerns.
On the French National Day celebration in Mumbai, two emblematic Mumbai monuments illuminated in the colours of the French flag that included Gateway of India opposite Taj Mahal Hotel and Mumbai and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s Headquarter buildings were lit up in blue, white and red which is a colour of French National flag, on the evening of July 14.The Mumbaikars were stunned and happy to see these two illuminated buildings and posted them on their social media which went viral. The illumination of these monumental buildings showcased the prominence of the Indo-French relationship.
Gateway of India illuminated in the colours of the French tricolour flag on Bastille Day
H.E. CG Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, in his inaugural speech said “We are here together to celebrate the birth of modern France, a country with independence, open to the world, a vibrant democracy – just as India is. And this year is also very special because we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.”
Iqbal Singh Chahal, Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai in his speech said “I am privileged and honoured to be invited here for this prestigious French National Day Celebration. My heartfelt greetings to French Nationals and to Honourable CG on the auspicious occasion of the French National Day. I must thank the French consulate for all their help to fight against Covid19. After two years of pandemic, we are happy to gather here for the celebrations. The relation between both countries is very cordial and growing manifold in all sectors”.
A number of people including Mumbai’s who’s who, diplomats, senior government officials from state government, representatives from India’s business community and intelligentsia having command on French language graced the event with their presence. The event began with the national anthems of the two countries. The ceremony was admired by the participants for being a hallmark event in strengthening the ties between France and India. There was a splendid playlist and numerous guests were dancing on the floor. The dinner buffet served French and Indian delicacies with the finest champagne, wine, cocktails and mocktails well appreciated by the guests.
A special year:
“2022 is a special year for France and India as it marks 75 years of India’s independence, 75 years of Franco-Indian diplomatic relations and 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the European Union”
BMC Headquarter illuminated in the colours of the French tricolour flag on Bastille Day
Bastille Day: The National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day, is one of the most important days in the history of the nation. Most people know that it is celebrated as the end of monarchy by way of the fall of the Bastille, a military fortress and political prison, considered a symbol of the monarchy and armoury. But it also marks “The Fête de la Fédération” (Feast of the Federations) held on July 14, 1790, which is the symbol of a united nation.
Cannes Film Festival; a prestigious platform for Worldwide filmmakers: The Cannes Film Festival has been the marquee event for filmmakers from around the world. In 2022, for the first time in its history, the festival had a Country of Honour for the Marché du Film, which was India. France and India share a long history of common passion for cinema – the first film ever projected in India was by the Lumières brothers and was showcased in Mumbai – and are both recognized worldwide as cinematic hubs.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
