With French President Francois Hollande visiting the City Beautiful to witness the architectural landmarks designed by renowned French architect le Corbusier, the Chandigarh Administration is likely to present the President with the replicas of modern and contemporary oils created by Corbusier in 1950s or 60s.
Beginning his India visit, Francois Hollande will land here on January 24 before heading to New Delhi where he will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade two days later.
The French President had expressed his desire to visit Chandigarh, the first post-Independence planned city in the country that was designed by Corbusier in the 1950s and the 1960s.
As per the information, the Chandigarh Administration would gift the French President a reproduction of original paintings by Corbusier or a replica of 'Open Hand' monument, the symbol of Chandigarh.
Known as the greatest architect of the 20th century, le Corbusier used to devote his mornings to paintings and the work concerning architecture was done by him during afternoon.
The Corbusier paintings have elements of visualization and astonishment. In his paintings, he used to play with surprising elements of relationships and contrasts between natural and man-made forms. His rich collection of sketches, paintings, tapestries and other masterpieces created in 1950s are well known across the world.
The reproductions of paintings created by French architect le Corbusier are also most preferred by VIPs in Chandigarh.
“The UT Administration has decided to gift the French President, a replica of modern and contemporary oils created by Corbusier or a replica of open hand monument, said a UT official.
He said, “A range of souvenirs inscribing various city based heritage buildings and reproductions of master architect le Corbusier drawings and photographs would also be kept to be given to the VVIP guest. The Union Ministry will take the final call on this.”
Hollande is scheduled to visit Chandigarh's 'Capitol Complex', Rock Garden and Government Museum and Art Gallery in the city on Sunday.
Hollande will be second foreign dignitary on a state visit to land in the city, designed by famous French architect le Corbusier, after then Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani came here straight from lahore to watch the Cricket World Cup semifinal match between India and Pakistan at Mohali in 2011.
As per the information, Hollande will reach Chandigarh at 12:30 pm and will stay in the city for about 5 hours before leaving for New Delhi at 5:30 pm. He will be received by Prime Minister Modi at Hotel Taj following which both will attend Indo-French forum of CEO's at the Hotel.
Top business leaders to attend the CEOs conference
Many top business leaders of the country will participate in the Indo-French business summit scheduled for January 24 at Taj Hotel in Chandigarh. French President Francois Hollande alongwith Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the CEO’s meet. As per the information, India’s top business leaders like Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries limited (RIl), chairman of Reliance Group Anil Ambani, Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra, chairman of Indian conglomerate Bajaj Group Rahul Bajaj, chairman of Pune-based Kirloskar Group Sanjay Kirloskar and Adi Godrej, chairman of the Godrej Group, are some of the businessmen that have been invited for the event.
French delegation takes stock of security arrangements
Two days ahead of French President’s visit to the city, a French security team took stock of security arrangements at the venues, which will be visited by the President. Such routine inspections of locations and places, where Hollande is expected, will continue till the end of the visit. The team also held a review meeting with UT senior officials Special protection group (SPG) teams has already reached Chandigarh to make arrangements for Prime Ministry’s security. The Union Government has communicated to the Chandigarh Administration that five ministers and five sitting members of parliament of the French government will accompany the French President. Apart from this, a delegation of around 150 people, including 60 journalists, cameramen and CEOs of companies will be there at Taj Hotel.