Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Wednesday hailed the contribution of French government in promoting tourism in the Union Territory.
Inaugurating the Pondicherry International Film Festival, the Chief Minister said the government was grateful to the French for its contribution.
“Sailing the east cost,” a three-day regatta event, held last year was a huge success. The event held as part of Bonjour India, a four-month long celebration of Indo-French innovation, creativity and partnership, attracted large number of tourists to Puducherry, the Chief Minister said.
Mr. Narayanasamy also highlighted the collaboration of French government in implementing Smart City project in the UT.
The Chief Minister said his government was giving importance to leisure, pilgrim and heritage tourism in Puducherry. “We can assimilate any culture, religion, caste and creed. We take what ever is good for us,” the Chief Minister said. The film festival would be held as an annual event in Puducherry as part of promoting tourism, he said.
In her address, Consulate General of France Catherine Suard promised all assistance in promoting cultural exchanges between Puducherry and France.
Actor and brand ambassador of the festival Adil Hussain said the Union Territory was an example to the world on how people with different identities and culture can co-exist and live peacefully.
He said art can bring out the finest qualities of human beings. “It can unify people and help humanity live in peace.” As many as 124 films would be screened till September 30. The films would be screened at Alliance, Auroville and Pondicherry University.
