Looking at the French National Day from Indian lenses
His Excellency Consul General Mr YVES PERRIN, Her Excellency Mrs CAROLINE PERRIN with the Consular Executives
Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are the words that mark the rise of a bold republic over absolute monarchy. In its essence, the country of France and its brave history is about celebrating the glorious fundamentals of its constitution which brands a fair legacy of universal justice and equal rights.
The furious & enthusiastic afternoon of 14 July 1789 marked the end of the aristocratic tyranny and harbingered the beginning of the French revolution. History calls it the storming of the Bastille.
The Bastille Day is a day of joy and happiness in the nook and cranny of the cities and villages of France. During the day, a military parade is organized in Paris between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde, via the Champs-Élysées and the fireworks are launched at night. The celebration also commemorates the Fete de la Federation, which marks the unity of the French people under a common constitution, the first step of France’s cruise towards the identity of a modern nation.
A crystallized moment with Mr and Mrs PERRIN
The vibrant spirit of the French National Day was elegantly shared in Mumbai by the dynamic hosts Mr Yves Perrin, Consul General of France to Bombay and his urbane wife Mrs Caroline Perrin.
I was meeting Madame Caroline for the first time and was naturally thrilled by her powerful appearance. Her finesse for fashion, art & designing energetically represents the aesthetic beauty of France. Each young lady would naturally aspire to become an ensemble which Her Excellency is in grace and dress.
Looming Chandeliers dangling in the Crystal Room in Mumbai’s iconic Taj Mahal Palace witnessed the piercing celebrations of the French patriotic fervor that historically blazed into a fiery outburst.
Being a Francophile in India’s kaleidoscopic metropolis, I am grateful to have been part of the glorious fete. The fair majesty was unfolding as the harmony of an accordéon blissfully reveals itself. The season of beauty had reached it’s spring. Bud of perfection had flowered naturally in the Eden of grandeur.
Further while lurking around to tweak an encounter, I crossed path with the family of Mr Nadir Godrej including Mrs Rati Godrej and Mr Burjis Godrej. Our conversation struck an inspiring jaunty chord. It was not our first interaction. For me, the magnificent name Godrej had woven itself through multiple surprises of phenomenal rendezvous at diverse places and time. But each encounter has it’s own importance and aesthetic.
Post that, I caught up with Joseph, Marc, Maxime, Alan & Alexandre. The chivalrous Frenchmen who are as well my university mates from Lille, France. By then we had sipped some mocktails, grabbed starters and concocted feisty chatters. The evening that followed is replete with intermittent pieces of moments, I got from each one.
The soiree had then begun with the school children melodiously singing the French and Indian national anthems.
The speech of the Consul General Mr Perrin was an enlightening rendition. His Excellency had enlightened the bewitched listeners with the historic significance of the evening while stating the problems faced in democratic world. Mr Perrin highlighted the milestones of Indo-French co-operation, India tour of President Macron & the marvelous festival of Bonjour India. He concluded on a light and musing note by echoing, “Jai France, India Dosti.” The swift chuckling that followed testified the delight that possessed the air.
Mr & Mrs PERRIN and Hon. Secretary of State Mr Sumit Mallick
It was followed by the speech of the Chief Guest of the event, the high-octane Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Mr Sumit Mallick. He had a witty note chiming in his address. He narrated accounts of his association with the Consul General beyond the diplomatic responsibilities. Indeed, his cleverly humorous chronicles were duly applauded.
Moment with Ms Piloo Tata
The night was young and star-studded. It was sheer opulence of hip and trendy attendees. Ms Piloo Tata dazzled in her peach colored saree which against the shinning spell of the golden lights was glittering as a Queen’s diamond studded crown. Her speech was adorned with exceptional poise and comfortingly casual amity. She had an aura of distinction to her maneuver.
Moment with Ms Meher Moos
It was fascinating to meet Ms Meher Moos. The Flying Queen of India. One life and 185 countries portrays the biography of her life in one clause. She is the first Indian woman traveler with the miraculous feat of circumnavigating the globe with 18 passports. It was our third encounter. First of 2018.
Moment with Mme Marine Ragnet
Attatche De Presse to the French Consulate, Mme Marine Ragnet was an uber sophisticated and Classique conversationalist. It was the charm of the moment to achieve a special encounter with her.
French Breads among other gastronomic luxuries
Everyone remembers their first taste of France. I had mine. The best manner to talk about the French food is to confess that I simply fell in love with it. It was difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while tasting each new experience. Confectionery, desserts, cheese and butter were indeed the faithful companions.
Ratatouille was enamored with some streaks of spice. Lyonese salad had a flavor of natural leisure. The Cramps Aux Champignons commanded a selective admiration for being luxuriously creamy and treating the taste buds with abundance of affection. The equipment and rituals of the French cuisine had a distinct charm to their existence.
Le Gigot d’Agneau or Lamb Gigot is a traditional French leg of lamb roast. The à la Française meat is traditionally cooked for Easter i.e. “Pâques” holiday.
Jambon Persillé, French for Parsley Ham is a classic dish of the French province of Burgundy and an old-school recipe beloved by savvy customers in delis and bistros throughout France. For rookies, nothing could be more truly Burgundian than this specialty, which originated in the vineyard towns of the Côte d’Or at Easter, to mark the end of Lenten fasting. In middle ages it’s also known as Easter Ham. Interestingly, Max, comes from Burgundy.
(L-R) Marc, Max, Joseph (Tertrais), Me, Alan & Alex
Joseph Tertrais, who closely resembles Harry Potter with his sparkling round glasses, He was gracious enough to personally cut a Baguette for me and serving it on my plate like a true gentleman.
Maxime was a suave Monsieur who acquainted me with the rituals of drinking French wine, red wine and champagne to be precise. He was the wittiest and sportiest.
Marc Fromont smoothly detangled the riddle that French language grammar posed for me by answering my questions with courteousness of a royal Frenchman. He is indeed from Versailles.
Alan being a musician, we struck meaningful talk about music and guitar, which I am learning. On a casual note, it was cool to hang out with a savage rockstar straight from Mediterranean.
Alexandre Krempp was draped in a checked Polo Shirt. The best conversation I remember with him revolved around his shirt. I owe it to the exceptional seamstresses at the US Polo Club. Mdr.
In it’s spirit, we all had a superb camaraderie.
Moment with with Madame Marion
In moments that followed, I saw a lady smiling at me. She looked like the Mona Lisa from Le Louvre. Her name is Marion. A perfumer. She requested her friends to excuse her. I was delighted by her cute gesture and we talked for almost an hour. Eventually two strangers from different country ended up being dance partners for the night, deciding the best between Ricardo and sparkling wine.
Posing with Noemie & her lively gang
Noemie was a benign and confident chic. A cute and modern blend of beauty and clever. If Rachel Greene were French, it would definitely be her. We talked about France and went on and on about it. Be it the Champs Elysee, Tour De France national cycling race or tourists in Paris. It was the exact chemistry to be hunt for at party.
Finally, while exiting from the venue I bumped into a Frenchman named Donald. His Hindi was mesmerizing to senses. It had me spellbound for seconds that followed. He constantly used the Hindi word Bohot Achha (very nice) and Marathi word Baap Re (oh my god). Donald finally gave a mic drop when he said, “Ha mai kabhi kabhi Hindi bolta hu. Mai thoda desi hu” (Yes I speak Hindi sometimes. I am a bit Indie man).
In a crisp, my selective memories are imprinted. For the connoisseurs of bread and butter and lifestyle that marvel the forte of reflection.
Photo Credits : Consulat général de France à Bombay
Comments