Some photography we can see
Way back then, in prehistory.
The Camera Obscura existed then
However it was only when
A French inventor, Nicéphore Niépce
Took some very ingenious steps
To finally invent image capture
Could we feel the delightful rapture
That only photography can inspire.
And with this art, we’ll never tire.
French photographers mastered this art
Quite perfectly right from the start.
And as all of us certainly know
Our India was the place to go.
And photographers of great renown
Turned up here and went to town!
All of us have eagerly awaited
This exhibition so well curated
By Rahaab Allana of Alkazi foundation
A true treasure trove for the nation.
Indian photographers are also there
All their works we can share and compare.
Bonjour India is France’s greeting,
A festival of cultures meeting.
Today there is a true convergence
As our relationship grows and burgeons!
My thanks to CG M. Séré-Charlet
And our steady partner Institut Français!
And may God always bless
Our dear host CSMVS.
A venue that is par excellence
For these good friends, India and France!
As the Museum celebrates its centenary
A refurbished look is what we see.
And I’m delighted I have the chance
To speak about our dear Alliance.
The Alliance triumphed for many years
And it deserves resounding cheers.
Though it commenced in '38
Bombay would still have to wait
All the way till 1948
To truly burst from the starting gate!
The committee came somewhat later.
Amongst French teachers none was greater
Than St. Xavier's rector Father Duhr
And at that time he was sure
An Indian should be President.
On Sohrab Godrej they were bent.
Sohrab had an enormous love for France
And introduced me to Alliance.
He had a penchant for foreign relations
And had close ties to many nations.
But France's culture and glorious art
Had a special place in his heart.
Since then Alliance has grown a lot.
For learning French was very hot.
All over Bombay we now can reach
The many students that we teach.
But one thing that we now bemoan
Is the lack of space of our own.
Now that we have our own resources:
The fees we earn from all our courses.
So with our savings and a loan,
We could afford a place of our own.
And soon we’ll build an Alliance centre
In which we’ll welcome you to enter.
An ideal centre that's self contained,
Perfectly appointed and maintained
With facilities right on our site.
One never knows we just might
Have our own bistro or café.
And that my friends will be the day!
The Indian economy is on the rise
French companies are getting wise.
It is a cause for much good cheer
That more and more are coming here.
And all employees on the bench
Are being sent to learn more French
And we of course find this bonne chance,
More classes held by the Alliance.
And if you know a lad or wench
Who wants to learn a little French
Or merely wants to share a part
Of her fine literature and art,
Our arms are always open wide
And today it is our pride
Together to celebrate
A friend ship that is truly great.
Hand in hand let us advance
Two great Republics India and France!
