Modern miniature of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Chandigarh, Apr 6 (PTI) A statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be installed in Frances Saint-Tropez town, the birth place of his Army General Jean-Francois Allard, in September this year.Together with the installation of busts of General Allard and his wife Bannou Pan Dei.

Henri Prevosat-Allard, Deputy Mayor and in-charge of tourism of Saint-Tropez today met Punjab Tourism Minister Sohan Singh Thandal here and invited him to the ceremony, an official release said today. Henri Prevosat-Allard is a descendant of General Jean-François Allard who trained Maharaja Ranjit Singhs troops, and has announced the step as a mark of respect towards the 19th century king, Thandal said.

The installation of the statue is a matter of great pride for Punjab, the minister said, adding that it will herald a new epoch of Punjab-France relations and will boost tourism.Allard will also invite Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to Saint-Tropez on September 17 when the statues will be installed.

Allard also stated that on 16th , 17th and 18th of September the Indian Embassy is holding a “Namaste France” festival in France and on the occasion of this three-day event an exhibition will be held on various facets of life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh , installation of busts of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, General Allard and his wife Bannou Pan Dei, films will be shown and conferences will be held in Saint Tropez. He thanked Punjab government for presenting the bust of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to Saint Tropez.

On this occasion, Mr. Claude Maniscalco Director, Department of Tourism Saint Tropez said that a large number of visitors from all over the world come to this event and would get information about the great ruler of Punjab.
Among others present on the occasion were Principal Secretary Tourism Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Mr. NS Randhawa, Director Tourism, Mr. Jagdeep Singh Cheema, co-ordinator of the event.