The Indo-French Reflection Group, whose official name is “Le Groupe de Réflexion Franco Indien” (GRFI) is not only familiar among Parisians but also with frequent travellers to the city. GRFI reflects the immigrant, multicultural nature of Paris. The musicians mostly amateurs, some near amateurs and a few professionals come from Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, France, India, Sri Lanka and Germany.

Thirty years is a significant milestone, and for the past three decades, GRFI has been showcasing Indian culture on French soil with monthly conferences on themes like ancient and contemporary history, arts and literature, religion and philosophy and science and technology. An annual music event is organised as a lecture demonstration.

GRFI was founded and presided by Lalitha Badrinath who has been living in France since 1965. She has worked for several years in the field of special education for speciallyabled individuals. She was also an elected Municipal Councillor for Social Affairs in Buc. She is the recipient of the French Government award of “Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques” in February 2012.

The association organises monthly conferences on various subjects. A galaxy of speakers from different walks of life have delivered lectures. The speakers are mostly from France who talk on subjects of interest to the French and to the persons of Indian origin living in France. Big names such as Jacques Attali (France) and Karan Singh (India), have also presented lectures for GRFI.

For someone new to GRFI, the music practice sessions might seem like a day in parliament! Just like an MP trying to get the speakers attention, the members come up with many ideas that usually generate excitement and debate, and as they come closer to the annual day, they rise to higher levels and prepare themselves towards the final goal. Indian arts leads us to such goals for arts itself is spiritual in nature.

Since the beginning of 2020, the practice sessions were shackled due to the pandemic. It is interesting to note that the group has had the resilience to adjust to the ‘new normal’ situation. Planning, organisation and practice play a crucial part in determining the success or failure of a programme. With the relentless support, guidance, and encouragement of Lalitha Badrinath whose efforts are always tailored to inculcate discipline and quality, the musicians have made the best use of technology with countless virtual practice sessions.

Highlights of the 30th year celebration

To mark the 30th anniversary of GRFI with a celebration of its past, present, and future, it dared to think big because of its heterogeneous culture. The celebration on 3 October 2021 was held at the Maison de l’Inde, Cité Universitaire in Paris, with its Director Rasika Sowmyalakshmi. It was a rare pleasure as the presentation focused on three strands of music—folk, light (film songs) and devotional music (classical). The very idea of such a new experiment characterises the evolution of the group since its beginning. It was startling to listen to the selfcomposed medleys accompanied by musicians who had taken special pains to produce harmonious music.  

The pièce de resistance was a Sufi song sung by both the groups, north and south, with a complete orchestra (keyboard, guitar, tabla, veena, flute, mridangam). I feel proud to be a member of such a group!

The annual event was attended by the Ambassador of India in France, Jawed Ashraf, whose congratulatory speech was notable for its geopolitical content.

CYNTHIA SRIKANTH

(A member of GRFI)