CHANDIGARH: The bust of great Sikh warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh was unveiled at the Allard Square of St Tropez in France, last week. The event, organised by Sikh de France, an organisation representing the community in the country, installed the bust at St Tropez, birthplace of French warrior General Jean Franquis Allard who served in the Maharaja's army. The ceremony was attended by French officials, India's former chief of Army, General JJ Singh, Indian ambassador to France, Mohan Kumar, Ludhiana resident Harjinder Singh Kukreja among others. However, there wasn't anyone present from the Punjab government.
Navjot Singh Randhawa, Director Tourism and Culture said, "French Sikhs approached us to get the bust made and we gave it. If you present someone with a bouquet of flowers, it is not important to deliver them personally. We were pre-occupied, hence none could attend the ceremony." Made from bronze, the bust is nearly three feet tall and weighs 110 kg. While several sources said it cost Rs 75,000 to the Punjab government, some organisers alleged it wasn't pure bronze and rather, mixed with brass which makes it much cheaper. When asked why a better quality statue wasn't sent, Randhawa said, "It was a gift from our side and not an obligation from the Punjab government. The price of the gift is not important but the feelings behind it that should matter. Still CM Parkash Singh Badal took personal interest in the project and handed over the bust to French delegation in a well organised ceremony."
Ranjit G Singh, director, public affairs, Representative Council of Sikhs France, said, “It was an honour for us to get Sikh warrior’s statue installed here in France. General Allard though born in St Tropez was buried in Lahore. He was one of the most trusted general of Maharajas’ army and trained Sikh soldiers. His grandson Henri Prevost Allard is now the deputy Mayor of St Tropez and thus we prepared this proposal and sent it to him. It was approved and in fact he personally supervised all preparations. The Indian national anthem was also played on the occasion.”
