H. E. Mr. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, felicitates the 2022 scholarship recipients for study in France

The Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Emmanuel Lenain, felicitated the recipients of the 2022 Charpak scholarship programme of excellence and the Franco-Indian Education Trust in a special ceremony at the Alliance Française de Delhi. These scholarship awardees from India will study at reputed French institutions in the fall.

The event gathered more than 80 scholars from around the country, representatives of companies, and Indian institutions. The scholarship winners, aged between 18 and 25 years, were chosen for their academic excellence as well as the coherence and quality of their study projects. For the academic year 2022, more than 200 Charpak scholarships in various categories were given to students in the fields of engineering, science, arts and design, social studies, business management, film, journalism, and the French language. They will soon set out on their journey to France to pursue a variety of programmes, including a semester-long exchange programme with a partner university there or 2-3 academic years to finish a specialised Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. They will receive internationally recognised degrees in their fields of study once they have successfully completed their studies.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said: “I warmly congratulate this year’s cohort of awardees. The French government grants 1.4 million euros in scholarships to more than 500 Indian students annually. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Mr Prshant Lahoti, spearheading the Franco-Indian Education Trust, and our corporate and institutional partners who are providing additional scholarships. Their efforts are invaluable for boosting academic and youth exchanges, which is a priority of our Indo-French relations.”

Ambassador also congratulated the four winners of the “Legrand Scholarship,” an innovative CSR initiative of the France-based Legrand group to support Indian students seeking top-notch higher education in France. Every year, Legrand, a global specialist of electrical and digital infrastructure, offers financial aid to students from socially and economically disadvantaged families seeking quality education in the fields of engineering, management, and social sciences. Along with the opportunity of an internship at company headquarters in Limoges, France, it contributes to their living expenses. Under the umbrella of the Franco-Indian Education Trust, which has also received financial support from Dassault Aircraft Services India Private Limited, and Dr Gun Nidhi Dalmia, this is the fifth group of students headed for France.

Mr Fabien Chareix, Attaché for University and Scientific Cooperation at the French Embassy, gave a presentation about the higher education system in France as well as the prospects that come with studying there. The academic cooperation team from the French Institute in India addressed all the queries about the educational, social, and cultural opportunities offered to young students in France.

The elated students expressed unanimously that they were motivated to succeed in their individual fields and that they were excited to learn and work in an international setting. The proud parents who accompanied their children to the event appreciated the Embassy’s close attention to students’ welfare, from helping plan their study project in India to making it a reality.

The recipients of several award categories are given the title of Boursier du gouvernement français (French Government Scholarship Holder). As such they receive benefits such as a monthly stipend to cover everyday expenses, a free student visa and “Etudes en France” application process, health insurance coverage, and assistance in finding affordable student accommodation in France. The institutions where they study also grant substantial tuition fee waivers to meritorious students.