The Punjab Government would hand over the bust of the great Sikh warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh to be installed at Saint-Tropez in France-the birthplace of his General Jean-Francois Allard, to the French Envoy in India during the month of June.This was informed by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to the visiting delegation led by Deputy Mayor of Saint Tropez Mr. Henri Allard, the direct lineal descendant of Gen. Allard, which called on the former here at Chief Minister’s residence this morning.Meanwhile, Mr. Henri Allard informed the Chief Minister he was from the fourth generation of Gen. Allard and the installation of a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Saint Tropez on September 17, 2016 would be instrumental in strengthening the bonds of bonhomie, friendship and compassion between the people of Punjab and France. He informed the Chief Minister that Gen. Allard (French) along with Gen. Ventura (Italian) served in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and both made an enormous contribution for the modernization of his military through their strategic experience and raised Fauj-i-khas, the “special” or “royal” brigade.
On the occasion, Mr. Claude Maniscalco, Director Saint-Tropez Tourism informed the Chief Minister that Saint-Tropez was of very prominent tourist’s destination world over where nearly 6.5 million tourists visit this place every year.Conceding to the request of French delegation, the Chief Minister deputed the state Cultural Affairs Minister & Tourism Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal along with Principal Secretary of the Department to represent the Punjab Government during the unveiling ceremony. He hoped this unique initiative would go a long way in further strengthening the bilateral relations between India and France and especially Punjab due to Gen. Allard’s outstanding contribution in the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Mr. Badal said the installation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh bust in Saint Tropez would relive the cherished moments in the golden annals of Sikh History. Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Cultural Affairs & Tourism Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. K.J.S. Cheema and Mr. Jagdeep Singh Chahal.