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Time and again, Indian chefs have been bringing honour to the country with their commendable feats. At times it is through innovative culinary creations, and at others, with their sheer knowledge and volume of work in the world of food and nourishment. India shines once again with such a prestigious achievement. Chef Montu Saini of India Tourist Development Corporation Ltd (ITDC) has been awarded the esteemed French honour "Officier du Mérite Agricole de la République Française" for his outstanding contributions to the culinary world and agriculture. On February 23, 2023, in the French Embassy, New Delhi, Mr Guillaume Gonez, the Ambassador of French Cuisine, presented him with this accolade on behalf of Emmanuel Macron, the Honorable President of France. This coveted title has never before gone to an Indian chef till now.
Before his current position, Chef Montu Saini was also the Executive Chef at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Secretariat. The seasoned professional, Saini, moved by this great accomplishment, has dedicated the award to the Indian farmers. He believes food is the ultimate celebration of the elements that go into it. To him, it is India's shared duty to ensure the country's future prosperity through environmentally friendly farming and food production methods.
Chef Montu Saini with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, French delegates and co-chefs during the event
Montu Saini is a member of le Club des Chefs des Chefs, the world's most prestigious gastronomic society and the club of personal chefs to world leaders. To celebrate the International Year of Millets, he created a brand-new menu for the Parliament of India that features a variety of millets. This made him the youngest Executive Chef to the President of India.
Since the accolade comes from the nation, sometimes called the "gastronomic capital of the world," this prize puts Indian food in the international spotlight. Executive chefs from several five-star hotels as well as officials from the President's Office and the India Tourist Development Corporation (ITDC), attended a dinner hosted by the French Ambassador in Chef Saini's honour. During the ceremony, Chef Montu Saini shared chronicles from his life, professional journey, and future aspirations.
Sharing his ecstasy, Mr Piyush Tiwari, Managing Director and Director (Commercial & Marketing) of ITDC, stated: "We are pleased to learn that Chef Montu Saini of our organisation is the first Indian Chef to be awarded the Officier du Mérite Agricole de la République Française. The extent to which he has excelled in the culinary arts is a direct result of his commitment and enthusiasm for the field. On the occasion of this extraordinary accomplishment, we convey our most heartfelt congratulations to Chef Moutu Saini."
du Mérite Agricole
Several awards are given out by the French government to recognise excellence in a variety of professions. du Mérite Agricole, also known as The Order of Agricultural Merit, was created to acknowledge and award those who have made significant contributions to the agricultural sector through labour in agriculture, associated sectors, government service, or the production of scholarly works and publications. At the time of its inception, it held a position of importance within France's social hierarchy that was second only to that of the Legion of Honour.
