Jamia French Language Students Win Praise on World Francophone Day

French language students of the Centre for European & Latin American Studies, JMI took part in the recently held National Seminar on Francophone Studies on 17^th March 2015 at the Centre for French & Francophone Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Students of Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in French attended this program with their professors Mr. Faizullah Khan, Mrs. Maitree Verma and Mr. Alexis Barrau. This one day program was held on the occasion of the World Francophone Day. It began with the inauguration of the program and an address by Mr. Jan Luykx, Ambassador of Belgium to India followed by the paper presentation by M.Phil. students of Jawaharlal Nehru University . This was followed by the much anticipated inter-university debate competition on the topic ‘La violence contre les femmes, qui est responsable? La femme, la société ou de l’état; L’Inde et d’autres pays francophones?’ (Violence against women, who is responsible? The woman, the society or the state; India & other francophone countries). The debate saw many students putting forward their views in an articulate and comprehensive manner utilizing their French speaking skills.

Students of M.A. (French) and M.Phil. of the Centre for French & Francophone Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University then presented a very interesting  piece de theatre/ play titled ‘Ceci n’est pas une piece’(This is not a room) which was very well received by the audience. A francophone general knowledge quiz too was conducted which saw several teams from different colleges participating. Students of B.A. (French) 2^nd year also presented a piece de theatre/play titled ‘Un voyage mystérieux ’ (A mysterious journey).

The program culminated with various cultural performances by students from the different colleges putting up band performances, dances as well as group songs. The events saw participation from various Delhi University colleges, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan etc. Students of Jamia Millia Islamia participated wholeheartedly like every year and put up commendable performances in every event.

Ehtesham Khan, a student of Diploma in French stood second in the Inter-University Debate Competition. The quiz team comprising students of Diploma and Advanced Diploma in French; Naved Alam, Ehtesham Khan, Shane Eram and Mehwish were given special mention. A group song ‘La liberté ’ was presented by the students of Advanced Diploma in French; Shahina Rabbani, Lubna Noorie, Mehwish Ahmad and Roshni Kazmi. Students of French language represented the University the most in the inter-university debate competition with participants from Diploma and Advanced Diploma in French taking part in large numbers. Finally, a solo dance performance was given by Anuradha Rajput, student of Advanced Diploma in French. All students received certificates of appreciation and participation in the valedictory ceremony soon after by Prof. Abhijit Karkun, Director, Centre for French & Francophone Studies.

The annual one day program saw participation of students from different colleges/ universities thereby providing a perfect platform to all to increase their learning of the French language & exposure to its culture and hone and showcase their French speaking skills.