24th February 2023, Mumbai : Making the entire country proud for his exemplary contributions to the culinary world, Chef Montu Saini of India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (ITDC) , former Executive Chef at President’s Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhawan has been conferred with the prestigious French decoration “Officier du Mérite Agricole de la République Française” by Mr Guillaume GONEZ ( Ambassador of French Cuisine) on behalf of the Hon’ble President of France Mr Emmanuel Macron on 23rd February 2023 at the Embassy of France, Shantipath, New Delhi.
Chef Saini has dedicated this award to the farmers of India since cuisine is the ultimate celebration of the ingredients it uses. In his view, sustainable agriculture and food practices are India’s collective responsibility for the enrichment of its future. He is a member of the exclusive international gastronomic society le Club des Chefs des Chefs – Club of personal Chefs of Heads of States and the most exclusive gastronomic society of the world. He is the youngest Executive Chef to the President of India and was recently in news for designing the all-new millets-based menu at the Parliament of India in sync with the International Year of Millets.
Commenting on the same, Mr Piyush Tiwari, Managing Director and Director (Commercial & Marketing) ITDC, mentioned “We are ecstatic to hear that Chef Montu Saini from our Organization is the first Indian Chef to be honored with the prestigious Officier du Mérite Agricole de la République Française award. This is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to his dedication and passion for the culinary arts. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Chef Moutu Saini on this remarkable achievement.
This award highlights Indian cuisine on the world stage as the recognition comes from a country known as the world’s gastronomic capital. Chef Montu Saini attended the award function and provided valuable insights into his journey and his vision for the future. The French Ambassador also hosted a dinner in his honour which was attended by officials of the President House, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), and executive chefs from various five-star hotels.
