What exactly is Bonjour India and when did this concept evolve?
Bonjour India is a festival of France and French culture in India with a view to celebrating the growing Indo-French ties. This event is organized by the French Embassy, in association with Culturesfrance and the government of India who have all come together to host a series of events across 18 cities including Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram and Hyderabad.

In the past few years there has been a tremendous evolution in bilateral relations between India and France. The French President was a guest at the Republic Day function in Delhi in 2008 and the Indian Prime Minister visited Paris for Bastille Day on 14 July. For the first time, there were French and Indian troops parading on the Champs-Élysées. This was a symbol of our political cooperation. From the beginning, France was one of the strongest advocates of India becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council. We cooperate in all security-related issues.

Another area of cooperation is economy. There is a balanced trade between France and India of about 6.5 billion euros and we expect the figures to reach 12 billion euros by 2012. In terms of investments, there is more French investment in India, in particular, because India requires lots of infrastructure. There are about 700 French companies based in India.

However, we do not want to restrict our relationship only to political or economical cooperation. We also want to focus on culture, education, tourism, science and research. Given our political and economic relationship, the sharing of culture is an important message to India because we want to strengthen ties with one of our main strategic partners in the globalized world. This is the concept behind Bonjour India. It is not only for fun and entertainment, but it is also to present the face of a new modern France – open to the world and open to partnerships with India and committed to solve global issues like climate change.

For how long is the event likely to be and are you planning on having it annually?
After Bonjour India, a reciprocal event will take place in France showcasing India. The goal is to showcase the new face of India as well as some of its traditions to the French public because there is a great attraction towards India in France. This appeal surely requires a festival as well. In the future, of course, we are looking at the possibility of making these festivals regular events.

As of now, the priority is making Bonjour India a complete success. From December we have a huge exhibition on Marine Drive from Yann Arthus-Bertrand titled the Earth From Above - an exhibition of 120 breathtaking views - photographs taken from a helicopter of natural wonders and other magnificent sites in India, Europe and Africa. All photographs are meant to show the fragility of our world as well as its beauty and the need to protect it.

What are the three central themes of this festival and how will Bonjour India address these themes?
The three central themes which are intrinsic to both the countries are Innovation, Heritage and Sustainable development. Innovation in terms of being creative. Creativity must not be present only in the arts but also in the economy, technology and science. The issue of sustainability applies to all areas. Sustainability is what unites every country and what should be at the centre of every relationship like the one France and India are developing now. Both countries have a vast and rich Heritage and through Bonjour India we will try to showcase the richness of culture through concerts, literature, cinema, debates, conferences and food festivals. Bonjour India will showcase all this by featuring over 150 events and 250 artists, musicians, researchers and entrepreneurs from France who will collaborate with their counterparts in India.

Which are the key areas that France and India can work towards to extend expertise between the two States?
The key areas and needs of both countries have to do with the current globalized world and its globalized challenges. For instance, India and France have been working in close cooperation regarding climate change and energy for many years. This relationship will develop and go one step further with nuclear energy. We are pleased to develop the civil use of nuclear energy in India with Indian and French companies. An Indo-French satellite programme has also been developed to monitor the Earth and the impact of climate change. We hope to do more in different fields regarding industry, particularly in IT. There are already many private initiatives regarding exchanges between the two countries so it has been an ongoing process for sometime already.

What are the key responsibilities and portfolios of your office?
The role of a Consul General is that of a facilitator. Our basic job is to protect the interest of our community and to help facilitate the travel of Indians to France. Beyond that, we need to develop a greater presence especially in the financial and economic areas of India. We arrange many business delegations to India to encourage and generate further trade. In particular, we have to make sure that they meet the right people. Our role also includes the promotion of French culture and language in India. Accordingly, we organize festivals such as Bonjour India.

Which according to you are the famous icons of France?
Of course I would have to include Paris because it is the capital of France and a city with a huge international reputation. I know that most people in India already know other parts of France such as the French Riviera – also called Côte d'Azur - because of the Cannes Film Festival and the popular city of Nice. The French Alps are also very popular. People generally associate the Alps with Switzerland, but now they are aware that the French Alps will be as interesting, and with a French touch. Visitors are also beginning to shift their attention to other places like Loire Valley with its stunning Châteaux. The coast along the Atlantic is also beautiful with very enjoyable weather. The food throughout the country is full of flavour and also very healthy. In fact, throughout France you can experience a great variety of culture, gastronomy, landscapes, monuments and architecture. The people are hospitable and welcoming throughout the countryside and villages in France.

What is the image of the modern India amongst the people of France?
French people are now discovering and, for some, rediscovering India. Modern India is mostly defined as an emerging economy, but its prevalence throughout the world goes beyond this formula. To give a few examples, there is now Indian food available abundantly in France, Bollywood stars are popular in France and even some Indian entrepreneurs are well known figures. People are very interested in India not only because of its rich tradition which still attracts many people, but also because of its vibrancy. In the last few years, the prevalence of India in the global community cannot be denied. For instance, the presence of India in French newspapers is growing every day. Likewise, there is also a greater presence of France in Indian newspapers. In India, French usually tops the list of foreign languages people want to learn and the Alliance Française has become a synonymous part of Indian cultural landscape when it comes to learning a language.

How long have you been in India and what are your impressions of India?
I have been in India for two years and my impressions are very much positive. It is one of the best postings I have had in a diplomatic career of almost 20 years. Mumbai, in particular, is a vibrant city. People are optimistic even in the face of adversity. Circumstances are not always easy, but they continue to be forward looking and very dynamic. Of course, I also enjoy Indian food and culture. I find the people very open-minded and the exchange of ideas is very easy. I feel at home in Mumbai. My constituency encompasses Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa. Western India in its entirety is a beautiful place.

What are your favourite destinations in France?
I grew up in Brittany, West coast of France. I love that place. It is close to the sea. There is a little bit of wilderness because of the coast. The sea is sometimes rough and I like the fresh air and the wind. I love the overall landscape. The people are also very friendly. I like the crêpes which is a specialty of Brittany and which is traditionally served with cider. My holidays are usually spent there.

Lastly, what is your message to the readers and why should they consider being an integral part of Bonjour India?
Bonjour India will give people an experience of French culture in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi or any of the 18 cities where this event is taking place. There will be French artists, French food and numerous exhibitions showcasing France. After experiencing France in India, we are certain that you will want to experience the real thing by planning a visit to France in 2010.

EARTH FROM ABOVE

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