*Parcours de Femme*, conceptualized by the French Consul General, Madame Lise Talbot-Barré, a project launched recently by the French Embassy, aims to document and celebrate the remarkable journeys of women who have overcome significant challenges to achieve extraordinary success. Renowned photographer Lalit Verma was selected by the Government of France for this endeavour, bringing his expertise and artistic vision to the forefront.
Verma, whose works have been showcased globally and auctioned by esteemed houses like Hessinks in Europe, has previously created coffee table books such as *Diplomatic Domains of Delhi*. For *Parcours de Femmes*, he captured the stories of 15 inspiring women, including Paralympic gold medalists, leaders in governance, sports, dance, and royalty, as well as transgender individuals.
These are extraordinary journeys of women who have surmounted immense obstacles to achieve remarkable success. This initiative, the brainchild of the esteemed French Consul General, Madame Lise Talbot-Barré, found its perfect chronicler in the acclaimed photographer, Lalit Verma. The journey to photograph these remarkable individuals was challenging yet deeply rewarding, capturing their strength, resilience, and triumphs.
In addition to his photographic prowess, Verma has served twice as the President of the Alliance Française. He also runs the Aurodhan Art Gallery and the cultural organization Aurodhan, hosting some of the finest musicians, artists, and dancers. As the founder and curator of the Pondicherry Literature Festival, the Pondicherry Theatre Festival, and the Festival Francophone des Arts et de la Culture, he has continuously fostered international harmony and oneness through art. His initiatives have now expanded to include oneness through yoga and uniting through inner movement.
The inaugural *Parcours de Femmes* exhibition was held to celebrate the French National Day, jour de Bastille, at the Taj Corremandel in Chennai. It was attended by diplomats, socialites, art lovers, celebrities, businessmen and other distinguished guests.
The show then travelled to Pondicherry for the 14th of July celebrations, where the portraits were innovatively displayed on the consulate walls, accessible to the public along the beach. It was inaugurated by Madame Lise Talbot Barré, the Consul general of France in Pondicherry, in the presence of several dignitaries who attended the French National day including the Ministers and the Chief Secretary.
