JOIN USOn being appointed in India, I wanted to open a bottle of champagne because my dream of coming to this country had been fulfilled. Over the last 12 years I have been working on Indo-French partnerships and thought it is the right place for me. I am still convinced of that,” says François Richier, Ambassador of France to India as he gears up for Bonjour India - the French festival.
Spread across 16 cities, Bonjour India will encompass cultural exchanges between India and France. “The idea is to concentrate on a lot of performances in a limited time,” he explains and adds, “These performances are a result of Indo-French collaboration and aimed at bringing together both Indian and French talent. For a French Ambassador, culture is part of the duty but it is the most adorable duty that one can imagine.”
“I was probably 23-24 when I decided to get into government service,” he recollects. “I was thinking, ‘do I want to stay here (in France) or know the world’? After some reflection, reaching out to the rest of the world seemed more important to me. So I did. At least that decision offered me a better perspective on the world.”
“I came to India for the first time 30 years ago. Since then India has changed so much and it gives me a view into the evolution of this nation. What has always struck me is the warmth of people vis avis people in other countries. Everywhere I go, I have been welcomed. There has also been immense amount of progress in this country but you are not losing your heritage (as a result of this development) which is striking,” he says analysing India’s rapid growth.
“What I like as a Frenchman is the ability of Indians to debate their point of view and that is something which connects them to the French very easily. The ability to argue is one of the key elements in Political Science and takes the political system forward. India is rich and energetic in the debates I am witnessing everyday.”
A Parisian by birth, this Frenchman has come to love Delhi more. “I was born in Paris which has boxy streets. It is of course beautiful but is also a bit packed and it always rains. Delhi is a greener City comparatively, at least in the central part and of course there is a lot more heritage around.”
And the best way to explore that heritage he feels is through walking. “I like walking. Whether in Delhi or other cities, I just jump out of the car and walk for hours to just enjoy the landscape and environment. Many a time people come to me in a friendly manner, enquiring whether I am lost. This is something that would not have happened in Paris. There you have to ask for your way, people don’t ask you if you need help. To me, this gesture is very surprising and charming.”
Has being in India also influenced his daily life in any manner? He promptly extends a hand to show a mouli (the protective red thread that Hindus wear) tied on his right wrist. “I was invited to attend a Hindu ceremony for Lord Ganesha last September. I had never tied a mouli in my life but I wanted to respect the Hindu traditions. Now this thread reminds me everyday of the importance of Hindu traditions in India,” he smiles.