She first fell in love with India seven years ago when she discovered its literature, art, music and architecture. Living in Cochin, the stunning backwaters of Kerala convinced her that India was special. She then moved to Chennai and set up the Hope For India Foundation in 2005. Today Princess Francoise Sturdza of Switzerland straddles two very different worlds. She spends seven months of the year in Geneva and Paris, where she was born and raised. The remaining five months are spent here in Chennai at the foundation, which is involved in projects on education, health and nutrition of destitute children. But she's at ease balancing these two lives. "It's a choice I made. I choose to live like this and it's not difficult since I have this great capacity to adjust in any situation. I am totally at home in both countries," says she.

Recently in Mumbai to organise a gala dinner to raise funds for her charity, Princess Sturdza had a frenetic schedule. But Verve managed to catch up with her at the Taj Sea Lounge, where she took some time out to talk about her plans in India. Beautiful, down-to-earth, charming and like most royalty, gifted with an aura of effortless authority. Her face lights up when asked about the fundraiser. "I am so excited. We want to have a competition among children each of whom will be given Swarovski crystals to fashion into objects. Then we will auction the three most creative designs at the next gala. This will help both the foundation and the children too," she explains. Even in the event that she is unable to raise sufficient funds, Princess Sturdza wants to ensure that the kids get professional training and jobs so they can fend for themselves after school. Taking on more projects is also on her agenda. "I want to recreate the work we do in Chennai and help children in other parts of India like Mumbai. But I don't want to make tall promises until I know I have the means to do it. Hopefully by 2008, we could make a start in this direction."

She is enchanted by Mumbai and loves Café Leopold's, Haji Ali and Marine Drive, but to live she prefers the gentler pace of Chennai. "Mumbai is a lot like London or New York - busy, colourful, friendly too. But Chennai is lovely and quiet, and also growing fast. All the new investments are happening here first," she says. Did she manage to pick up a smattering of Tamil? "Not a word. I am not good with languages. I have enough of a problem with English!"

The princess spends a lot of time working with children. So what does she think about another marginalised group in India – women? She pauses before answering. “This is a very difficult question. To be honest, I think Indian woman have to learn to balance their traditions and their rights in this big democracy. On the one hand, you have women in cities who can take charge of their careers and lives but those in the villages are still facing dowry problems. Education is the only solution,” she muses.

A rule she follows religiously is to never waste time. “Life is too short and precious. I look at everything as a learning experience. I have my share of rough and happy times and have learned to accept both,” she philosophises. To unwind--although she doesn’t consider her job at the foundation work as such—the royal do-gooder enjoys reading. Tagore figures on top of her list but she also enjoyed Shantaram. Classical music is a favourite. And yes, she loves to snooze.