France celebrates 'la culture indienne'

The capital got a glimpse of the Indian cultural extravaganza that France will unveil for its people through exhibitions and performances during the year-long festival of India in the European heartland.

The 'Indian Spring in France' came alive at the French embassy last evening where many celebrated people like Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and artists Sayed Raza and Satish Gujral got a glimpse of the reviews and previews of a series of events held or scheduled for the year.

French ambassador to India, Jerome Bonnafont, said the two countries share a common history and passion for cultural identity and the exchanges are symbolised by their art and friendship.

"I thank the Indian artists for their contribution and for being an inspiration in the field of art. French art has always been seduced by the Indian civilisation," he said.

The year-long festival in France is part of a series of cultural exchanges between the two countries facilitated by the governments.

Minister for culture Kumari Selja said the friendship between France and an emerging India is sure to go long way and such cultural exchanges are bound to strengthen it.

Karan Singh, the president of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) termed the event as a historic occasion.