Rivers that sing, Planets that Inspire: A Unique Musical Celebration in France

The 36th Anniversary Music Festival of the Groupe de Réflexion Franco-Indien (music & research group), held on 7 June 2026 at the historic Château de Buc near Versailles, was a memorable celebration of Indian music, culture, and scholarship. Organised under the patronage of the Embassy of India, the event drew a capacity audience of nearly eighty attendees, filling the hall to its limit and reflecting the sustained interest in Indian classical arts among the Indian diaspora and French/European audiences alike.

The success of this annual festival highlights the enduring legacy of the Groupe de Réflexion Franco-Indien, an association founded in 1990 by Lalitha Badrinath. Having worked for several years in the field of special education for persons with disabilities, she later served as a Municipal Councillor for Social Affairs in Buc and was honoured by the French Government with the «Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques » award in February 2012. Last October, she received the Gold Medal of Honour from the Govt. of France for her outstanding contributions with associations in fostering cross-cultural engagement and in the welfare of persons with disabilities.

For more than three decades, the association has organised monthly conferences on ancient and contemporary history of India and Europe, arts and literature, religion and philosophy, and science and technology. In 1996, the music & research group was established to study and present the richness of Indian classical music, both Carnatic and Hindustani. The group has also regularly published documentation highlighting the research undertaken by its members.

The chief guest for the occasion was John Collemallay, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Buc. The event was also graced by the presence of Air Commodore Madhav Rangachari, Simhakutty Varthaman, and Shobha Varthaman, adding further prestige to the occasion.

Following the welcome addresses by Lalitha Badrinath, the audience was introduced to the thematic framework of the concert: the Navagrahas by Akilandeeshwari and the Rivers of India by Namita Misra. The programme conceptualised by Lalitha Badrinath, had been thoughtfully structured, alternating segments of Carnatic music with Hindustani classical and popular compositions.

The first major segment explored the Navagrahas through the lens of Carnatic music. Recognising the immense linguistic and musical complexity of Muthuswami Dikshitar’s legendary Navagraha Kritis, the performers opted for a more accessible approach by presenting compositions dedicated to the presiding deities associated with the planetary forces. Songs on two grahas, soorya and chandra were included.

The Carnatic ensemble delivered its repertoire with clarity and devotion. Among the items presented, Kandavarkku Kanavilum emerged as a particular audience favourite. The spirited rendition, marked by expressive delivery, elicited warm appreciation and stood out as one of the highlights of the afternoon, enhanced by sensitive violin and mridangam accompaniment.

The vocal ensemble comprised Anugrah Chandramouli, Srividya Kuruganty, Amrutha Varshini Mahankali, Sindhuja Rangarajan, Jayashree Sarma, and Akilandeeshwari with Mariyanayagam Hudson on the mridangam and Anagha Mahankali on the violin.

Each piece (Carnatic and Hindustani) was introduced with brief contextual narration, making the performance both informative and engaging. The audience was thus able to engage with the songs on multiple levels, appreciating not only their melodies but also the stories and traditions they embodied.

The finale drew on popular Hindi film songs, with Har Har Gange, Tu Ganga Ki Mauj Mein, and Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai bringing the evening to a joyful close. The expansive Hindustani vocal line-up featuring S. Chandramouli, Lamya Chopra, Poorvi Dave, Mrunal Garde, Tanusha Majumdar, Jayashree Majumder, Deepak Mathur, Kiran Mathur, Namita Misra, Rashmi Shangari, Jayshree Sarma, and Srikanth Rangan, delivered a rich tapestry of textures, supported by Shagor Borua on the harmonium and Anuvab Chatterjee on the tabla.

The success of the event was also due to the dedication of its performers. Drawn from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, the singers and instrumentalists united through a shared commitment to preserving and presenting India’s rich musical heritage. Their collective effort has sustained the Groupe de Réflexion Franco-Indien for thirty-six years.

As the audience dispersed after refreshments and informal discussions, one sensed that the concert had achieved something more than entertainment – a memorable anniversary celebration for all who attended. For the rasikas gathered at the Château de Buc, it was an afternoon where the earthly and the celestial vibrated as one.