On February 21st 2024, Caritas India witnessed a remarkable milestone with the presence of Mr. Gerard Larcher, the President of the Senate, Republic of France. Mr Gerard was accompanied by diplomatic delegates of Senators and officials from the Government of France, including Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India. The team of delegation consisted of, Mr. Cédric Perrin, Senator of the Territory of Belfort and President of the Commission of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces, Mr. Jean-Noël Guérini, Senator of Bouches du Rhône, President of the France-India Friendship Group, Vice-President of the Commission of Foreign Affairs and Defense and Armed Forces, Mr. Rachid Temal, Senator of Val d’Oise, Vice-President of the Commission of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces and Vice-President of the France-India Friendship Group and other prominent dignitaries. This high-level visit was an occasion and an opportunity for Caritas India to showcase and represent our work with the mandate to serve the poor for development and towards the goal of nation building.

After being received with a warm traditional Indian welcome, the delegation was presented with a comprehensive description of Caritas India, from the foundation of the organization to its multifaceted interventions and the scale of reach across India. Caritas India also gave an overview of the programs implemented and how these programs are supporting the well-being of the larger population. The delegation was keen to learn about how poverty is perceived in the rural and urban areas of the country.

While inquiring about the internal migration in the country Mr. Gerard sought a broader understanding of the effects of migration on development. The delegates also showed interest in the intersectional dimensions of our interventions, particularly with regard to the upliftment of women, children, farmers and religious minorities. The delegates spent a considerable time discussing and interacting about the growing trends in the social and economic field and how best can the Government of France support in such development-oriented interventions.

The delegations selected Caritas India for their visit to understand the scale and nature of the social work executed by the social wing of the Church in India. The members of the delegation were impressed by the efforts undertaken by Caritas for the development of the marginalized sections of society, applauding the tangible outcomes achieved by the organization in empowering the disenfranchised groups in the country.

The visit by the French delegates, symbolized Caritas India’s strong foundations embedded in the fabric of India, harboring the reputation of a credible social work body in the country. It also reflected the organization’s conciliatory role in enriching the relationship between the two nations. All in all, the visit was a testimony to Caritas India’s global acclamation transcending from social to diplomatic level.

Chairman of Caritas India, Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura facilitated the dignitaries and presented Mr Gerard with a memento as a token of appreciation. On behalf of the delegation, Mr Gerard honored Archbishop Sebastian with a medal symbolizing the secular and democratic principles of France.