Concerts, regatta mark Bonjour India events

The Consul General of France to India in Puducherry, Catherine Suard, on Thursday announced the opening of Bonjour India at Alliance Française in Chennai. “This year, the focus is on partnership, innovation and creativity, and is oriented in good measure towards the youth, for they renew and perpetuate our ties.” The collaborations will be with groups like Kalakriti, Theatre Nisha, Ability Foundation and Prakriti Foundations with the support of local governments.

As part of Bonjour India, water related issues are being highlighted through research, art and debates. A water availability workshop was held in Bengaluru last week. In Chennai, a play, ‘Water Princess’ will be presented by Theatre Nisha. Also, a five-day training programme will be organised in Puducherry, which is a dialogue between researchers and students. 

Easy Ride is another innovative initiative which will address smart and sustainable mobility. A collaboration between Veltech University in Chennai and FranceCol, a French SME designing small electrical engines for bicycles, the project promotes clean and green transportation solutions. 

There will also be an Indo-French sailing regatta in Puducherry that will see boats racing along the Tamil Nadu coast. Around 50 sailors from the country as well as foreigners will participate in this unique race over three days. Heaven and Earth is another event where renowned Carnatic musician Aruna Sairam, will share the stage with Dominique Vellard, an expert in Gregorian chanting (monophonic sacred song of Roman Catholics). 

The weight of Joy will be a collaboration where European and Indian dancers with hearing disabilities. The event is to celebrate the art and culture of both the countries where the artistes will be performing in different cities.