Inaugurating the Indo-French platform, Bonjour India, Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, France, said "It’s a great joy that I am inaugurating the new version of Bonjour India at this beautiful place. No date could have been a better-chosen date as the city of Jaipur was founded on 18th November 1727. Since then our relationship with India has grown. You will get to see this strength taking form through some of the very unique events in Delhi followed by Mumbai and later in Kolkata. Bonjour India will focus on providing access to one and all under the key areas of Creativity, Innovation and partnership."
The event exhibited an exceptional evening where two of France’s most renowned artists – video painter Xavier de Richemont and 3 Michelin star Chef Alain Passard – presented creations that have been produced from their collaborations with India. BHARGAL, a monumental 20-minute video painting by Xavier de Richemont, was specially developed for the occasion. Unveiled at the grand opening, this work of art said stories of India and France as seen by the artist.
Another Indo-French blend was presented by three-Michelin-star Chef Alain Passard who, along with the Indian chefs from Fairmont, had prepared a special menu with locally-sourced biodynamic vegetables from Indian farms.
The event was produced by Institut Francais India in collaboration with experiential agency Seher.
Director of Instito Francais India and general curator of Bonjour India, Bertrand De Hartingh commented, "The evening at Ganesh Pol in Amber Fort Jaipur turned out to be the perfect curtain raiser to Bonjour India's third edition. It surpassed everyones expectation. Xavier de Richemont's remarkable artistry and Chef Alain Passard's meticulous detailing and the mesmerising setting just elevated the entire experience beyond imagination."
The third edition of Bonjour India 2017-18 is a four-month-long mega voyage across India that will celebrate Indo-French partnership as well as shape the next decade of human exchange between the two countries. From November 2017 to February 2018, Bonjour India covers 100 projects in 33 cities across 20 states & union territories. Bonjour India provides a platform for enduring partnerships across the themes of Smart Citizen, High Mobility, Go Green.
At events collaboratively organised across cities and disciplines, amid performances, debates, seminars and exhibitions, all audiences will find something that captures their imagination.
With Bonjour India 2017-18, India and France will come together to create, innovate and partner towards a progressive and sustainable future.
