The Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Emmanuel Lenain, announced the fourth edition of Bonjour India 2022.
A moment for furthering people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, in its fourth edition in 2022, Bonjour India celebrates 75 years of India’s Independence and 75 years of establishing Indo-French diplomatic relations, a milestone moment in any nation’s history.
Besides projects narrating the shared history of the two countries through photography, science and letters, Bonjour India will also be an opportunity to ring in some positive vibes, build communities, foster social interaction and create opportunities for diversity, joy and amity after a long time since the pandemic overtook the world.
Bonjour India 2022 will showcase in 19 Indian cities a program of 120 events created in collaboration with French and Indian partners in education, science, literature, cinema, gastronomy, street art, performing arts and photography.
Speaking about Bonjour India, Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said, “Bonjour India is a gift from France to the people of India when the country celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence. India and France have enjoyed a close cultural partnership for decades, particularly with the network of 14 Alliances Françaises throughout India. We will honor the past exchanges and create new collaborations.”
Ambassador Lenain further added, “We believe that our two nations can grow closer by appreciating cultures and co-creating art, amalgamating views from both the countries. I look forward to coming together with the most creative people from our countries, resulting in greater creativity and enrichment. I believe that the free exchange of ideas between our two countries will plant the seeds of new thoughts that will help tackle the challenges that lie ahead.”
Bonjour India 2022 to bring diverse communities together
Every event is open to all, thoughtfully crafted to delight and entertain, and in most cases, freely accessible to the public. Bonjour India rejoices in the centuries-long interactions and friendship between India and France. Bonjour India is for neophytes and enthusiasts alike, a platform where families, school children, young adults, professionals, and others, mingle, discuss, explore, and forge memories and experiences that are remembered for a lifetime.
As much as Bonjour India is supported and funded by the government of France, the festival has a tradition of receiving the support and contribution of numerous partners, Indian and French, public and private. This has played an important role in enriching the festival and bringing diverse communities together.
More specifically for the present edition, enterprises and brands, whether small or big, including BNP Paribas, Pernod Ricard, Airbus, JSW Group, Saint Gobain, Tata Sons, Godrej, Safran, Accor, Om Books International, Chaudhry Nummero, Bira91, L’Opéra and many others came together to support culture in a bleak economic scenario because of their conviction in the power of the arts, in the essential quality of culture in bridging people and in the strength of Indo-French relations. They are a part of Bonjour India to celebrate the 75-year milestone moment for Indo-French diplomatic relations and India’s 75th Independence year.
France says a whole-hearted Bonjour to India and lays the foundations of the festival as a convivial, pleasant, friendly and special occasion!
