Remembering two French citizens who lost their lives in the November 26, 2008 terror attack here, French President Nicolas Sarkozy honoured two Indians here on Tuesday by conferring ‘d'Officier de l'Ordre national du Merite' on them for being “efficient, attentive, courageous and taking decisions by risking their lives to save hundreds of lives.”
M. Devendra Bharma, executive vice-president of Hotel Oberoi-Trident and M. Karambir Kang, former director-general of Hotel Taj Mahal were honoured on the occasion that was attended by around 200 guests.
Among the invitees were Jillu Yadav of the Railway Protection Force. He fought terrorists at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) on that day and Vishnu Zende, an announcer at the CST. His announcements saved hundreds of lives then.
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“I am happy that Bombay [Mumbai] has been able to heal its wounds in so less time and move forward. I am happy and proud that so many French enterprisers and youngsters are coming here to participate in a beautiful adventure of development in India and bring in their intelligence, energy and talent to reinforce relation between the two countries,” Mr. Sarkozy said.
Taj hosts Sarkozys
Hotel Taj Mahal Palace hosted Mr. Sarkozy and First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. They stayed at the luxurious 4,500 square feet Tata suite. Mr. Sarkozy addressed an Indo-France business summit at the hotel.
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The hotel had specially crafted a menu for them. It consisted of an eclectic mix of French and Indian cuisines. The preparations included Smoked Salmon Canapés, Turkey and Curried Chicken Salami Amuse Buche, Golgappa Scallops, Chicken Tikka Margarita Pizza, Tandoori Sea Bass, Chicken Biryani and Lamb Curry, Anjeer Shahi Tukda and Gulab Jamun Creme Brule.