French President Emmanuel Macron in India: 4 from Country Win Padma Shri Awards

Even as French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday watched India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path as the chief guest at the ceremony, four people from France, the highest for any country, have been conferred with the Padma Shri awards, which were announced on Thursday.

It was the sixth time that a French leader was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.

FOUR PADMA SHRI AWARDEES

1. Charlotte Chopin: The 100-year-old yoga exponent from France has been awarded the Padma Shri for defying age limiting norms by learning yoga post turning 50
2. Kiran Vyas: The 79-year-old global yoga and Ayurveda practitioner founded the Tapovan OpenUniversity.
3. Pierre Sylvain Filliozat: Distinguished Sanskrit scholar and Professor in France, the 87-year-old is dedicated to advancing Indic cultural studies.
4. Fred Negrit: A dedicated Indologist and Teacher from French Guadeloupe, he fostered greater awareness and appreciation of Indic culture.

MACRON AND MODI

“A great honour for France. Thank you, India," President Macron posted on ‘X’ in a caption to a video of the French band and the military contingents marching down in front of around 70,000 spectators.

Macron also greeted Prime Minister Modi and the people of India on the occasion of Republic Day.

“My dear friend @NarendraModi, Indian people, My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let’s celebrate!," he said. In another post on ‘X’, Macron said it was both an honour and a mark of friendship to be invited to India on this occasion. “I come to celebrate and consolidate our exceptional partnership. First step: bringing our youth together. We have so much to do together!," he said in French.

On Thursday, Macron held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Modi in Jaipur. A 95-member marching contingent and a 30-member band contingent from France also took part in the parade. Two Rafale fighters and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French air force will also feature in the celebrations.

With PTI Inputs