celebrating 33rd edition of the world...

MAY – JUNE 2014

CELEBRATING 33RD EDITION OF THE

WORLD MUSIC DAY

For its activities, the Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad benefits from the support of the French Embassy in India and the Alliance Française Foundation

Alliance Française d’AhmedabadB/S Food Corporation of India,Himali Tower Lane,Manekbaug-Shyamal Road, Satellite,Ahmedabad 380 015 Gujarat, INDIA

+91 79 26733800, 26733900 [email protected] www.ahmedabad.afindia.org

alliancefrancaiseahmedabad @afahmedabad

Desk CampusFrance-Espace Ahmedabad(at Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad)

[email protected] www.campusfrance.org

Alliance Française – Annexe Baroda1, Sangeet SocietyOpp. Shivashray Society, Vasna Road, Baroda 390 015 Gujarat, India

+91 265 2252854 [email protected]

alliancefrancaisebarodaYour logo here? | Contact Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad

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WANT TO LOCATE US?IT’S EASY!Check-out this Google Map

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DÉCOUVRIR|MAY–JUNE’14|1

Dear Friends,Bonjour, Namaste, Kem Chho? I said in one of my previous editorials: “How can one compare political perspectives on specific national and world issues if one is monolingual?”. The recent events in Ukraine or West Africa showed us the necessity to explore various media, in different languages, to understand the interests of different groups of people. The students and members of our Alliance Française who could read/watch/listen to the French news could see the on-going election in India from different perspectives. With French language classes and cultural activities throughout the year, the Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad is YOUR local cultural center to explore the diversity of our contemporary world. Our goal is not to offer an abstract and univocal vision but a rather diversified and non-homogeneous one that makes your experiences with various cultures a realistic panorama of conceptual differences and distinctive features of the creative processes of our societies today. We could think here of the works of Eryck Abecassis and Menstrupedia (Aditi Gupta & Tuhin Paul) and the use of the social network media in our French language classes. You cannot create, share or learn having only your attention focus on your textbooks.

Discover our active pedagogy and the importance of teaching Culture in our French language classroomsForeign language learning is comprised of several components, as well as a change in attitudes towards one’s own or another culture. For scholars and laymen alike, cultural competence, i.e. the knowledge of the conventions, customs, beliefs and systems of meaning of another country is indisputably an integral part of foreign language learning, and our teachers have seen it as their goal to incorporate the teaching of culture into the foreign language curriculum. Beyond teaching French, the Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad is a strong instrument of cultural cooperation between Europe and India. We organise and welcome cultural events and offer several services, such as the library with its multimedia space, a translation desk, the Heritage Section and the most European café in town: Le Rendez-Vous. It is now the time for you to discover this space where you can relax at the shadow of our building while drinking home-made iced-teas or affagato and if you come early you could even find some croissants! I will have to leave you here, as my watermelon salad with feta is ready… the best dish to cope with the summer in Ahmedabad! A bientôt !Philippe Martin – Director

Executive Committee PresidentPavan BakeriVice PresidentAbhijit SenTreasurerSwati SoparkarSecretaryShrikant RakheMembersParmanand DalwadiMeera LakhiaC. K. KoshyDirectorPhilippe MartinCoordinatorChintan Pandya (Culture)Paresh Punjani (Courses)Mala de Fenoyl (Courses Baroda)AdministratorRaj Vakil (Ahmedabad)Shilpa Thackre (Baroda)AssistantPriyal Kothari (Course)AccountantBobby ChristieTeachersAnne BalaramPayal ChoksiShreeja DayanandSapna GargJyoti HotchandaniDipal KansaraDipika KshatriyaChaarvi LadiaMauli ModiMegha NayarNirja ParmarRinku PatelJayesh PatelJignasa ShuklaKrupa ShahNishith ShahKanchan SharmaSeema SheikhMruga ThakkarPunam TiriarNisha VyasTejal VyasBhasha Mewar (Baroda)Satyen Gulabrai (Baroda)LibrarySujit NairSimon GardanDesk CampusFranceDharti DaveReceptionFrancis Raj AnthonappaAanal PrajapatiRutwik KhalanekarEsha Kothi (Baroda)Translation CellRinku PatelTechnical StaffAnkur Parmar (Technical Head)Jayesh ParmarDhanbahadur ThapaGanpat VaghelaGautam VaghelaShobhana Sapkal (Baroda)

2|DÉCOUVRIR|MAY–JUNE’14

When it comes to learning French as a foreign language, like every 3000 students per year, you don’t need to look elsewhere. ‘Breathe French’ at Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad (Since 1982) with its French Environment through a variety of courses.

With our 6 Regular sessions of 4 months from January to December, you can enrol for level 1 (A1), level 2 (A2), level 3 (B1), level Diploma (B2) and Higher Diploma (C1) courses.

You can register for our first 3 levels in Regular sessions at one go and get a 10% discount and complete the first 3 levels in just one year!

We use Smartphone technology while learning French in class!

Crash Course for kids in May (8 to 11 years), Saturday batches (3 hours per Saturday), Sunday batches (6 hours per Sunday) | Courses for Kids (8 to 11 years) (2 hours per Saturday) | Monthly Conversation classes (1h30 per Saturday) | Courses for Schools and Institutions (as per requirement) | Corporate French courses (as per specific objectives) | Workshops such as French Civilization, French Grammar | Private Tuitions

Have fun – Speak in French only – Audio-visual and dynamic Modern pedagogy (Communicative/Active) – Common books in Alliance Française Network in India – Course designed to appear for the internationally recognised DELF-DALF (Exam held only at Alliance Française) – Curriculum Conform to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) – Classrooms with Interactive Whiteboards – Access to the Media library (French books, newspapers, magazines, comics, DVD’s, audio CD’s. French channel TV5 Monde) – Online Multimedia – French social network for students – Constant touch with French Civilization and Culture with class and Library activities along with cultural activities (films, concerts, Art Talk, Exhibition, Dance performance etc…) – Free Wi-Fi – And beyond this, Guidance from Campus France for Higher Education in France

BREATHE FRENCH WITH US!!

OuR COuRSES’ FEATuRES:


Qualified and well trained – Good rapport with students – Constantly updating their knowledge and skills in teaching French – Sharing their trainings with other teachers

If you are enthusiastic and willing to make a goal in life, then join with your friends, the largest and the oldest French learning center in Gujarat for the finest French language and cultural program in India, supported by the French Embassy in India.

OuR TEACHERS:

NEW SESSIONS 2014

Crash Courses (150 hours/per level)

MONDAY TO SATuRDAY Start Date End Date Timings

Level 1 (A1) 05 May 07 June 10:15 am – 04:15 pm

Level 2 (A2) 12 May 21 June 08:00 am – 02:00 pm

Level 3 (B1) 12 May 21 June 10:15 am – 04:15 pm

Level 3 (B1) 23 June 31 July 10:15 am – 04:15 pm

July Regular session: From 07 July to 11 November 2014Level A1, A2, B1, C1 (150 hours/Duration: 4 months/per level) B2 (200 hours/Duration: 5 months)

MONDAY TO FRIDAY

08:00 am – 10:00 am

10:30 am – 12:30 am

02:00 pm – 04:00 pm

04:15 pm – 06:15 pm

06:30 pm – 08:30 pm

Level 1 (A1)

Level 2 (A2)

Level 3 (B1)

Level 4 (B2)

MONDAY TO FRIDAY Start Date End Date

Level 1 05 May 07 June

Summer Kid’s batch (75 hours) (Age: 8 to 12 years) (10:15 am to 01:15 pm)

May Regular session: From 08 May to 02 September 2014


SuNDAY Start Date Duration

Level A1, A2, B1 (150 hours) 20 July 7 months

Level B2 (200 hours) 20 July 10 months

SATuRDAY Start Date Duration

Level 1, 2, 3 07 June 10 months

4 SATuRDAYS/MONTH Start Date Start Date Start Date

08:00 am – 09:30 am / 02:30 pm – 04:00 pm 10 May 07 June 05 July

Sunday batches: From 20 July 2014 (09:00 am to 03:00 pm)With 2 breaks (15 min. and 30 min)

Kid’s batch (80 hours) (Age: 8 to 12 years) (4:00 pm to 6:00 pm)

Monthly Conversation classes (6 hours / month) Prerequisite: Level A2

12 May – 04 August 2014 (Every Monday and Wednesday)*Timings: 10:15 am – 11:45 amLevel required: Level A1

(*No classes on 09, 11 and 25 June, 14 and 28 July 2014)

Do you adore French as a language? However, does the grammar become

hindrance on your way to explore the vast French culture? Voila, we are right here this time with the solution to this problem albeit with our happy twist. We will make it more interesting by bringing in class some of the French songs, funny but useful videos, the literary texts and things alike. We will have this class keeping in mind few of the tenses, the articles, the adjectives, the nouns, the pronouns, sentence formation, the modes like indicative, imperative, introduction of subjunctive and of course we always wish to keep it a la carte after all! So grab the opportunity as we are waiting for all of you in class!

Grammar Course Revision Level A1 (Part 2) – 30 hours


Reading Workshop (30 hours). Prerequisite: Level A1

from 23 July to 21 August 2014Days: Monday to Friday (40 hours)

Timings: 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm

‘Survival Kit’ is a short term course for those who wish to go to France for higher studies or traveling. After the completion, you will be more

comfortable in the day to day life in France.

‘Survival Kit’ course

02 June – 25 August 2014(Every Monday and Wednesday)*Timings: 06:30 pm – 8:00 pmLevel required: Level A1(*No classes on 09, 11 and 25 June, 14 and 28 July 2014)

When was the last time you forgot all your woes and lost yourself to comics? Be it Archie or Astérix, comic books have been an essential component of our childhood, and given a chance, wouldn’t we love to have them back! Well, the Alliance Française has just that in mind. The ‘Atelier de Lecture’ – a reading workshop that combines your love for French with your love of comics – is here!

If you have already completed your level A1, or are currently an A1 student, this workshop is just right for you. At the Reading workshop, a group of French enthusiasts will explore the fascinating world of comic books in French – right from Tatou and Spirou to the immensely popular Astérix and Tintin, as well as several other brilliant but slightly lesser-known French comic figures. The workshop will explore the many dimensions of these comic personalities, and participants will discuss and dissect how these well-known animated figures are in fact, a subtle social commentary on our life and times. In a broad sense, understanding these comic characters will be a revelation of human psychology as well as of society.

The reading workshop will culminate in an elaborate presentation, featuring extracts of different texts, which will be presented by the students before a francophone audience. Now, if you’re already super excited, this is one workshop that aims to awaken the comic book lover in you. So, if your idea of unwinding post-work includes some quality reading, this is how you do this – not to mention that your French gets vastly better! Get in touch with the Alliance Française reception for more details and registrations.


Internationally recognized DELF-DALF Diplomas Only at Alliance Française.(DELF-DALF Exam certificates issued by the French Ministry of Education)6 diplomas corresponding to the levels of Common European Framework

4 French language diplomas for teenagers (DELF Junior) The certifications are standardised in 6 levels scale according to the Common

European Framework of Reference for Languages

For those who wish to go to Canada-Québec region.

Minimum course required: Level A2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad/French Embassy in India

The TEF AQ assesses your linguistic level with 2 evaluating skills: Oral Comprehension (60 questions with multiple choices) and Viva (Role play) where the candidates have to get information by asking particular questions, to present a document and convince the person they are talking to (here the examiners).

Registrations: From 16 May to 16 June 2014TEF AQ exam date: 26 July 2014

Our courses from level A1 to C1 prepare you for these exams

Registrations for the June DELF exams

16 May 2014

09/06/2014 Monday DELF A1

10/06/2014 Tuesday DELF A2 DELF J. B211/06/2014 Wednesday DELF B1 DELF J. B112/06/2014 Thursday DELF B2 DELF J. A213/06/2014 Friday DALF C1 DELF J. A114/06/2014 Saturday DALF C2

J. = JUNIOR

June SessionDELF DALF EXAMS DATES

TEF AQ FRENCH TEST (RECOGNIzED By THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA)


• All over the Europe, French is the main second language taught in Schools• French is spoken by more than 220 million people in many countries• Half of the top 10 fastest growing countries in Africa have French as an official

language• Many Gujarati writers, poets know well the French Literature• Every year, Francophonie is celebrated in March in all the five continents• It helps a lot professionally• It is considered as a sweet and rich language

What is it?The communicative approach puts you, the learner, at the centre of the learning process. It lets you communicate freely in real-life contexts, using the language you need. The focus is on activities that maximise your opportunities to use French in an interactive conversational way. This is achieved through meaningful exercises such as group work, creative role-plays and task-based activities.We emphasise speaking and listening, although reading and writing are also important parts of the courses. Naturally, grammar is not neglected but the focus remains on getting the message across.We encourage you to explore French for yourself so we recommend not using dictionaries in class and avoiding systematic translation.

Role of the teacherThe teacher is there to create opportunities for you to use and practise the language in authentic situations and to give you feedback. The classroom is a community where learners learn through collaboration and sharing and our teachers are trained to facilitate this.

The learning processMaking mistakes is a natural part of the learning process so don’t worry if you don’t understand everything straight away. It can be frustrating at times, especially for adults, but each time you don’t understand it is an opportunity to learn how to be able to express yourself fully next time.

JUST RELAx AND FOCUS ON WHAT YOU kNOW, NOT WHAT YOU DON’T!

SOME FACTS ABOuT THE SPHERE OF FRENCH LANGuAGE AND CuLTuRE

OuR TEACHING METHOD:THE COMMuNICATIVE LANGuAGE TEACHING

Join afahmedabad.ning.com and keep writing in FrenchFor any inquiry, contact: (079) 2673 3800 / 3900 [email protected]


bapuin search of

“Friends and comrades, the light has gone out of our lives, and there is darkness everywhere, and I do not quite know what to tell you or how to say it. Our beloved leader, Bapu as we called him, the father of the nation, is no more. Perhaps I am wrong to say that; nevertheless, we will not see him again, as we have seen him for these many years, we will not run to him for advice or seek solace from him, and that is a terrible blow, not only for me, but for millions and millions in this country.”

This poignant opening line of Jawaharlal Nehru’s address to the nation best summarized the mood of the country after the tragic event on the 30th January, 1948. Then the grief seemed irrepressible and the idea of world without Gandhi inconceivable.

It has been almost 65 years and a lot seems to have changed since. The infant nation with its basic problems seems to have stepped into its vibrant youth and is poised with a new set of economic, social and political complexities.

The nature of global politics too has changed drastically. It has seen the end of imperialism, disappointment with socialism as well as communism and is currently witnessing the hazards of extreme capitalism. In chaotic times such as these, when the human tolerance levels seems to be at its lowest ebb and the world seems to be in the middle of a whirlpool, I often wonder, where would Bapu stand today?

Amongst the few things that have remained relevant over all these years is the ‘concept’ of Gandhi. Gandhiji’s persona has a staggering universality that transcends time, religion, cast, creed and race. The essence of this man & his ideology are so rooted that it has made him more relevant and hence more pervasive, now than ever before. The emergence of Gandhiji into the pop culture, may it be films, theater, graphic novels, painting, fashion or even souvenirs is a testimony to the fact that he continues to connect across generations and his ideology still has a lot to offer to our society.

PhoTo eXhiBiTion BY anUJ aMBaLaL


The idea of doing a photo series on Gandhiji emerged when I hypothesized a scenario in which one can make an adaptation of the Gandhian ideology to look into the current issues by forming a deeper understanding of the man and his philosophy.

And the wish to explore this ideological adaption through the medium of photography is what led me to my search for Bapu.

The objective of this body of work is also to initiate a dialogue between the audience and the images. References to Bapu’s ideology have been encrypted into these images to explore a narrative that is woven with humour, sarcasm, reverence and fiction. This narrative is essentially open ended and the titles as well as accompanying text are meant to provide clues. Based on these clues the viewer is required to form his own narrative and thus, initiate his personal journey in search of Bapu.

Anuj Ambalal


Anuj Ambalal Holds a Masters degree in Investment & Finance from the Middlesex University, London. He used to work as an equity researcher before setting up a design studio in Ahmedabad – A Cube Inc. Here, he looks at furniture design as an art form, concentrating on diverse shapes and textures to create individual sculptural entities. Ambalal has received no formal training in photography but considers it as a further progression from his design practice and sees it as another medium to explore his creativity. He has held solos as well as participated in group exhibitions.

‘Pure Veg - 1’, 2013

Archival Digital Print on Hahnemuhle paper

18” x 24“

Edition 1 to 12

‘Pure Veg - 2’, 2013


18” x 24“

Edition 1 to 12

‘Pure Veg - 3’, 2013


18” x 24“

Edition 1 to 12

‘Pure Veg - 4’, 2013

Archival Digital Print on Hahnemuhle paper, 18” x 24“

Edition 1 to 12


Inauguration 09 May 2014

06:00 pm Venue

French Gallery Alliance Française

d’Ahmedabad

Public View 10 – 16 May 2014

Timings 11:00 am – 08:00 pm

‘Pure Veg - 1’, 2013


18” x 24“

Edition 1 to 12

‘Pure Veg - 2’, 2013


18” x 24“

Edition 1 to 12

‘Pure Veg - 3’, 2013


18” x 24“

Edition 1 to 12

‘Pure Veg - 4’, 2013

Archival Digital Print on Hahnemuhle paper, 18” x 24“

Edition 1 to 12

ALL ARE WELCOME


Kathakworkshopby Vaishali Trivedi


Vaishali, can you introduce yourself?

I am a Kathak dancer/singer for the past 25 years, had opportunity to dance in more than 45 countries around the world. I have worked with several well-known artists like Mrs. Kumudini Lakhia, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Pt. Ravi Shankar and choreographers from France, Germany, Italy, USA, Switzerland, Brazil and Pakistan.

I practice and teach Kathak at Kadamb Centre for Dance, Ahmedabad for the past 20 years. I was trained in Kathak by legendary dancer/choreographer Mrs. Kumudini Lakhia. I continue to create and perform Kathak dance performances.

How did the idea of offering a Kathak dance workshop come to mind?

As most of the schools of Dance give yearly dance training, there are few people who are curious about dance but do not have the time and means to do regular practice. They desire to regain control of their body by regular exercise and are fascinated by Kathak as dance form. This workshop gives them an opportunity to peep in to the art of form of Kathak and come closer to their body and mind.

Who can join this workshop?

A person who is free on 22nd – 28th May, from 05.30 – 07.30 p.m

For registration inquiries, contact Vaishali Trivedi on +91 98791 67614 [email protected] or

Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad (079) 2673 3800 / 3900 [email protected]


CINÉ CAFÉTHE BLACK AND WHITE IS BACK WITH CINECAFE!

Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad and Cafe Le Rendez-Vouspresent Ciné Café to enjoy movies with meals!

Subtitles: English

Synopsis: During the First World War, a group of officers in prison decides to do anything and everything to escape, and thus, begin to dig a tunnel. While they had almost reached their ending point, they learn that they were to be shifted to another camp…

Starring one of the most known French actors Jean Gabin, this film has been given 8.2 stars on IMDB.

Full MenuVeg. Platter + Desert + Movie

Light MenuSandwich + Drink + Movie

Register by 27 May 2014

Contact:[email protected]

079 2673 3800 / 3900

Date: 31 May 2014

Time: 09:00 pm

Venue: French Gallery

LA GrANDE ILLusIoN (1937)


CINÉ CLUBCineclub screenings are free for Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad members and students. Entry against donation for others.

27 June 2014 | 07:00 pm | French Gallery

La BataiLLe De SolfÉrino(Age of PAnic) [2013]By Justine Triet

Subtitles: EnglishDuration: 94 minutes | Genre: ComedySynopsis: 6 May 2012, second round of presidential elections. Laetitia, television journalist, has to cover an event in the heart of a crowded place, rue de Solférino. It also happens to be the day when Vincent, her ex, comes, with surety of his visiting rights, to see his two little daughters. And then the dispute begins!


GUILLAUME BLANCIN VIOLIN CONCERT

13 June 2014French Gallery8:30 pm*

*Entry: By invitation only


Born in 1981, Guillaume began playing the violin at the age of 5. After studying classical violin, he learnt to know and love other musical aesthetics under the guidance of a great violinist and teacher of jazz improvisation Didier Lockwood. He also trained under Octavio Lopez, renowned contemporary music composer.

Since 2001, he participated in many music and film projects that allow him to perform regularly both in France and abroad. He was invited as a soloist by famous French artists, such as SportoKantes , Didier Lockwood, André Ceccarelli, Jool, Louis Winsberg, The Rabeats.

Since 2005, he has been playing his own compositions in various formations:

VIOLINIST AND COMPOSER

On the occasion of World Music Day

a delicate mix of jazz and other musical styles, with a subtle touch of folklore.From 2007, he joined dance and theatre projects as a composer and performer.In 2011 he was a finalist in Stéphane Grappelli’s Jazz Violin International Competition, winning the award for “Scenic Performance”.

He holds a national degree (“Diplôme d’Etat”) in violin teaching, and teaches violin and viola in several conservatories in France.

He is currently working on the development of Electric Suites, a Dj Set combining live instrumental and electronic music.

“The Jazz violinists are not yet legions and Guillaume Blanc is certainly one of the best. In its Electric Suites project, he presents original compositions of a high and rare quality. He deserves a great future, so do go see and listen to him!”– Didier Lockwood

Guillaume Blanc


Playing in interaction with machines... learning to master their language... that is the challenge of Electric Suites... the sounds of traditional instruments closely intertwined with those of the electronic music...

Folklore, Jazz, Beatmusic, traditionnal and ancient music, Electric Suites was inspired by this diversity in order to develop a new aesthetic, highlighting the profound aspirations of the creator and of the artist: to provide an artistic language that would be relevant to its time, while preserving a link to its past and origins. Revitalised with each live concert, Electric Suites takes its routes deep in the past and traditions of music, in order to better reinvent, whilst making the listener’s body vibrate… at the same time as the musician’s one does!


Electricity is like an effort of some sort of living matter to turn into spirit and mind. It would almost appear as though matter is trying to get an ecstasy, using electricity. – Ernest Hello

13 June 2014 | French Gallery | 08:30 pmFor invitation, contact –

[email protected] www.ahmedabad.afindia.org*By invitation only


Open Evening for

COMEREGISTERSInGPLAYRegister and audition before 15 June

Performance on 21 June 2014 between 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm

For more details, contact – [email protected] 079 2673 3800 / 3900


Vaishali, can you introduce yourself?

I am a Kathak dancer/singer for the past 25 years, had opportunity to dance in more than 45 countries around the world. I have worked with several well-known artists like Mrs. Kumudini Lakhia, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Pt. Ravi Shankar and choreographers from France, Germany, Italy, USA, Switzerland, Brazil, Pakistan.

I practice and teach Kathak at Kadamb Centre for Dance, Ahmedabad for the past 20 years. I was trained in Kathak by legendary dancer/ choreographer Mrs. Kumudini Lakhia. I continue to create and perform Kathak dance performances.

How did the idea of offering a Kathak dance workshop come to mind?

As most of the schools of Dance give year a round dance training, there are few people who are curious about dance but do not have the time and means to do regular practice. They desire to regain control of their body by regular exercise and are fascinated by Kathak as dance form. This workshop gives them an opportunity to peep in to the art of form of Kathak and come closer to their body and mind.

Who can join this workshop?

A person who is free on 22nd – 28th May, from 05.30 – 07.30 p.m

33 years in Ahmedabad!

1st Anniversary of the new building!


From L to R – Fabrice Mongiat (Director AF Pondichéry), Evelyne Siréjols (Deputy Director AF Delhi), Philippe Martin (Director AF Ahmedabad), David Cordina (Deputy Director AF Bombay), Jean-Philippe Bottin (Délégué Général & Director AF Delhi), Alain Zayan (Director AF Bombay), Luc Didon (Director AF Pune), Benoît Olivier (Director AF Madras), Alexandra Dourver (Pedagogical Director AF Bangalore), Dominique Waag (Director AF Chandigarh), François Dabin (Deputy Director AF Madras), Laurène Gibert (Director AF Goa), Ophélie Belin (AF Kathmandu), Philippe Gasparini (Director AF Bangalore), Gwénaëlle Raisoir (Pedagogical Director AF Calcutta), Stéphane Amalir (Director AF Calcutta), Alice Gauny (Director AF Trivandrum) & Julien Dal Bosco (Director AF Bhopal)


Anne-Garance Primel & Ananda Vadivelou (President Alliance Française de Pondichéry)

The Alliance Française de Pondichéry celebrated its 125th Anniversary last March 2014! All the network of the Alliance Française in India visited this unique city to pay a tribute to our “old sister” in India. Compared to our Alliance Française in Ahmedabad, which celebrated its 30 years of presence in Gujarat, we still have a long way to go! But we have to remember that the Alliance Française in Puducherry was the first one founded in Asia and one of the oldest worldwide. Today, the Alliance Française network has 812 centers in 136 countries and welcome more than 500 000 students per year. As Shri P. Rajavelu, Minister of Social Welfare and Tourism, Govt. of Puducherry, said: “This honorable institution of excellence which has been present for more than 125 years in Pondicherry has played an important and significant role in this unique Union Territory. Over the years, steadfast and loyal to its cause, the Alliance Française and the territory of Pondicherry displayed a vision of the west, which during the independence of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru referred to as an open window to France”. During these celebrations, the annual meeting of the AF in India was organized, with the presence of Mr. Jean-Claude JACQ, General Secretary of the Foundation Alliance Française, and Mrs. Anne-Garance Primel, in charge for Asia-Europe regions.

From 1889 to 2014, Alliance Française de Pondichery has been through a progressive journey in its mission

and is celebrating with great zeal and enthusiasm its 125th Anniversary during the tenure of the present director, Mr. Fabrice Mongiat and the current president, Mr. Ananda Vadivelou of the Alliance Française de Pondichéry.

The new auditorium of the Alliance Française de Pondichéry

24|DÉCOUVRIR|MAY–JUNE’14Photo by zenith Banker

Next show: 13 May, 09:00 pm at Gandhinagar Town HallConTaCT: [email protected] / +91 9723452425


Shukdan, written by Chinu Modi, directed by Chintan Pandya was staged during the prestigious Vasant Festival at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai on 23 March 2014.

The best play on display was “Shukdaan”. An adaptation of a French story by Chinu Modi and directed by Chintan Pandya, Shukdan is set in the traditional rabari village in the early 20th century and zooms to life on the back of live soulful music by Kedar Upadhyay, graceful simple poetry, use of the bhavai art form and strains from apparently India’s only tar-sarangi player. Costume design was well researched – apparently nuances of the dresses as distinct from other areas well captured in the kediyu. Will look forward to your next one, Fanatika Theatre Club.

– Ketan Shah, Mumbai

Feedback


CHOOSE ANy OF THE FANATIKA REPERTOIRE PLAyS FOR PERFORMANCE OR VACHIKAM (DRAMATIC READING) – AN IDEAL And InnovATIvE SolUTIon To MAkE yoUr EvEnTS MEMorABlE!

For annual office/corporate functions, family and group gatherings, festival or family celebrations, do contact us at:

(+91) 97234 52425 | [email protected]

fanatikatheatreclub | www.fanatika.in

Fanatika is now on Twitter. Follow us on @fanatikatheatre

Performance Plays:

þwfËk™Shukdan

[Writer: Chinu ModiDirector: Chintan Pandya]

Ëk¾÷k ŒhefuDakhla Tarike

[Writer and Director: Chintan Pandya]

÷uze ÷k÷ftwðh Lady Lalkunwar

[Writer: Sitanshu yashashchandra Director: Nisarg Trivedi]

The Imaginary Invalid

[Writer: Moliere Director: Chintan Pandya]

ytŒhk÷ Antaraal

[Writer: Jean-Genet Director: Chintan Pandya]

Just Divorced

[Writer and Director: Chintan Pandya]

Vachikam (dramatic reading):

sk„e™u skuQt Œku... Jaagine Joun To…

[Writer: Sitanshu yashaschandraDirector: Nisarg Trivedi]

…]rÚkðeðÕ÷¼Pruthiveevallabh

[Writer: Kanaiyalal Munshi Director: Bhargav Purohit]

Aßswt Chhajun

[Writer and Director: Chinu Modi]

Waiting for Godot

[Writer: Samuel Beckett Director: Chintan Pandya]


It is now possible to download or watch streaming of 4 films every month on each account from a data base of 700 movies on our online media library. We are glad to let you know that the access to these films is free for all the members of Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad Library.

Just register at: http://www.culturetheque.com/

EXPLOITATION/IN/ and pay us a visit to get your

registration validated.

The Alliance Française has recently acquired 2 Tablets and 2 Desktops (to provide free access to internet to our users). They enhanced the working environment and the internet usage in the library and mainly improved the diffusion of the digital resources of our online media library ‘Culturetheque’ including the online versions of famous French newspapers (Libération, le Figaro, l’Equipe, etc.), French as Foreign Language books, comics and other resources.

We are happy to welcome the new librarian Mira Shah who will start working from June: “Hello everyone! It is a great pleasure for me to be accepted in the beating

heart, the Library, of the Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad as a Librarian. I have been a student here since 2011 and have been profited by the courses, the workshops and the Library greatly and during these years I have developed great affection not only for the language but also the environment of the Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad. Now that I have been given the opportunity, I wish to do my part as best as possible”.

RUSH!!The Library now offers Membership for the year 2014-15. Members who haven’t renewed their

membership yet, please renew your membership immediately to explore and make the best of our new multimedia library. For detailed information related to membership, please visit us or send an email on:

[email protected]

ATTENTION: The deposit of Rs. 500 is fully refundable. The receipt of which should be retained in order to reclaim the deposit at the time of terminating the account.

LIBRARY TIMINGS

Latest in Culturetheque: A CHOICE OF 700

MOVIES TO DOWNLOAD FROM!

MODErNIzING ThE LIbrAry!

Open on all days a weekMonday to Saturday10:00 am to 07:00 pmSunday11:00 am to 04:00 pm Lunch break01:15 pm – 02:00 pm (Sat, Sun, Mon)


EvENING FOr DubbING: ThE LEGENDAry ScENES OF

FrENch cINEMA

The 67th Cannes Film Festival will be inaugurated on 14th May, 2014. We grab this opportunity to propose to you to explore French Cinema our way by organizing an evening of dubbing of a few legendary scenes of French Cinema! The extracted movie scenes can be understood by the students of all the levels from A1 to B2. During the evening, we will make you discover the movies that became a huge hit of their times and help you work on your French pronunciation in a playful manner while dubbing the dialogues. The event will be recorded live and parts of it will be uploaded on our website.

For those who wish to practice the dialogues in advance, we invite them to register at the library as soon as possible or write to us: [email protected]

Completely different from a music festival, the Fête de la Musique is above all a free popular festival, open to any participant (amateur or professional musicians) who wants to perform in it. This Music day celebrated on 21st June every year, allows the expression of all styles of music in a cheerful atmosphere. On this musical occasion, we organize a Karaoke evening, for those who would like to try their hand at singing melodious French songs (Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, Céline Dion, etc.) in front of a wonderful audience.

For those who wish to participate in this event, we request them to register at the library as soon as possible or write to us: [email protected]

KArAOKE EvENING

Wednesday, 21 May 201407:00 pm – 08:00 pm Open to all students of Alliance Française and all those who have learnt French.

Thursday, 19 June 201407:00 pm – 08:00 pm Open to all students of Alliance Française and all those who have learnt French.

CuLTuRAL GET-TOGETHERS AT THE LIBRARY


Bharucha porT, a pearl

Bharuch reflects the rich history of an ancient city, which was once upon a time the gateway of the India subcontinent. Local sayings trace the origin of Bharuch to the time of the legendary sage Brighu Rishi who would have given his name to the city (in Sanskrit “Bhrgukachchha” for Bhrigu’s riverbank).

All throughout the Greek and the early historical period Bharuch was a prosperous trade centre and the first port town of India. It was an attractive commercial place where all merchandises were available (olive oil and red coral from the Mediterranean Sea, ivory, gems, wood work, prints and various types of fabrics from Bharuch and other regions of India, spices from South-East Asia, etc.).

Numerous merchants and travellers recorded their visit in Bharuch and wrote accounts on the glorious port: we know first about the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang, then Arab travellers like al-Masudi, and later on Europeans like Jean de Thévenot or Jean-Baptiste Tavernier.

The Heritage Section of the Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad would


be interested to explore more the monuments and remains of such a glorious port town.

dr. Sara keller, scientific advisor of our Heriatge Section, already presented papers on Bharuch: “Bharuch Fort: An introduction to the identity of a leading port of the Indian coastline during the Sultanate Period”, part of the conference “The ports of the Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea to the Gulf

of Bengal” and “Bharuch, The City Fortress”.

During the National Seminar on Indian Heritage, “Perspectives and Prospects”, organized last 10 & 11 January 2014 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, a French archaeologist, Dr. Michaël Rakotozonia presented his own researches, “Bharuch, the Pearl of the Indian Western coastline. How this port-town made the wealth of the greatest empires that ruled over Nothern India in the early history”.

To appreciate the possibility of doing researches in this city, and before all, to discover this heritage, the Consul General of France in Mumbai, Mr. Jean-Raphaël Peytregnet, along with his wife, Dr. Sara Keller, Dr. Michaël Rakotozonia and Philippe Martin, Director of the Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad, visited Bharuch on 23 February 2014.

Michaël Rakotozonia, Mr. & Mrs. Peytregnet and Sara Keller


In the framework of its cooperation with the Ecole Française d’Extrême-Orient (French School for Asian Studies), the Heritage Section of the Alliance Française welcomed during two months in Gujarat Mr. Pierre Lachaier. On this occasion, his researches were presented in Ahmedabad and in Baroda, but also during the January seminar held in Gandhinagar. We can recall the following subjects addressed by Pierre Lachaier: “Architectural and Socilogical studies of urban Ahmedabadi neighbourhood” and “Three Ethno-Architectural studies in the walled city of Ahmedabad among other topics.

To know more about our Heritage Section, please write to – Dr. Sara keller on [email protected]

and/or visit our website: ahmedabad.afindia.org

Mr. Pierre Lachaier


Gujarati or English to French | French to EnglishProof reading | For any kind of document – official,

non official, general, technical documents

Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad provides interpretersfor your business needs. THINk ABOUT IT!

For more information or details, please contact the Alliance Française atPhone: +91 79 2673 3800 / 3900 | Email: [email protected]

YOUR ONE STOP

DESTINATION FOR FRENCH

TRANSLATION SERVICES


STuDENTS GOING TO FRANCE INCREASING The number of Indian students going to France for higher studies this year is a little over 3,000, an increase by 20 percent in the last decade, said Jean Claude Jacq, General Secretary, Foundation Alliance Française, Paris, here on Tuesday.

Business schools today should train their students to prepare for the future by seeing what others cannot. “recent developments, notably the financial crisis, have clearly demonstrated the need for managers to adopt a different pattern of behavior and to learn new skills.

1. Economy: 5th largest economy 2. A strategic partnership with India: 5th in the list of India’s trading partners

among EU countries3. French Investments in India: There are 800 French companies in India,

employing some 150,000 skilled people. (Schneider Electric, BNP Paribas, Sanofi, Alcatel lucent, Steria, renault nissan, Alstom, Atos, lafarge, Saint Gobain, Accor, Essilor, Technic, Michelin, Safran, L’Oréal, Dassault, Veolia, Air Liquide…)

4. The French language: 5 continents and an official language in 32 countries. 5. Quality of living: highest standards of living in the world, most popular tourist

destinations 6. Moderate tuition fees: Very nominal 7. For a great quality of education: Less student teacher ratio8. An international study environment: 3rd largest international student

population in the world (2013 UNESCO survey). 9. visas: Part time jobs, and extension of stay 10. Alumni: 5 year Schengen Visas are granted to all Indian alumni holding a

French Master’s degree or PhD

www.inde.campusfrance.org

For more information, contact –Ms. Dharti DaveEmail: [email protected] | Phone No: 079 2673 3801

10 REASONS to choose

TO STuDY IN FRANCE


I’m a Management student and was working on my application for a master’s program in Luxury Business and Fashion Management in France starting this year. I chose France to continue my studies in Luxury Business and Fashion Management in ISC paris because I find the French fashion and lifestyle the pioneer

in fashion industry. I believe the experience will empower my profile.In my opinion, studying abroad is a life lesson, a chase to boost your limits, enrich your experience, and expand your knowledge amongst experience industrialist.

I have to say that the process of preparing study abroad was very difficult, stressful. But I am greatly thankful to Dharti Dave, CampusFrance Ahmedabad for her assistance. Without her assistance, guidance and career counseling studying aboard was just a dream. I would recommend the services by campus France to all my friends and family.

Naishadh zALAISC Paris


Extra Mural Lecture on How to build a capital, and how to preserve it? Architectural heritage in Bukhara (16th century and later). Jointly organized by Department of History, M S University on 15 Feb 2014

Extra Mural Lecture on “Bharuch –the Pearl of Gujarat” by Dr. Michaël Rakotozonia – Dr Sara Keller Jointly organized by Department of History, M S University on 22 Feb 2014

WHAT HAPPENED?

Alliance Française – Baroda AnnexeAlliance Française – Baroda Annexe, Vasna Road, BarodaEmail: [email protected] | Phone: +91 265 2252854

May – 03 May and 17 MayJune – 07 June and 21 June

VATO-V Are The One

WHAT’S IN STORE?

NEW SESSIONS

Regular Sessions05 May: A1 morning – 150hrs

Monday to Friday | 07:00 – 09:00amB1 evening – 150hrs

Monday to Friday | 06:30 – 08:30pm

Crash course05 May: A1 level – 150hrs

Monday to Friday | 10:00 – 04:00pm

Saturday Kids Batch03 May: Kids batch (8–12 years) – 80 hrs

Every Saturday | 04:00 – 06:00pm

Monthly conversation classes – 6hrs Every Friday | 05:30pm to 07:00pm

MAY BATCH: FROM 02 MAY 2014 JuNE BATCH: FROM 06 JuN 2014

“EN CHANTANT” (French Songs Workshop)

Fun way to learn French with songs… Every Thursday | 08:30pm – 10:00 pm

OPEN FOr ALL STuDENTS AND MEMbErS!!!

NO SKILLS rEQuIrED IN MuSIc, SINGING & FrENch…

Summer Kids Workshopsyounger age is the best time to start learning

a new language! Introduce your child to French songs, words, games and widen his horizon…

Age group: 3–5 years – 6hrs Thrice a week | 04:00 – 06:00pm

Session I: 14-15-16 MaySession II: 21-22-23 May

Alliance Française d’AhmedabadB/S Food Corporation of India, Himali Tower Lane, Manekbaug-Shyamal Road, Satellite, Ahmedabad 380 015

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Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad will be closed on 01 May: Labour Day

The timings of the Café are:Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 am – 03:00 pm and 05:00 pm – 11:00 pm • Closed on Monday

05 May

05 May

08 May

10 May

12 May

12 May

12 May

02 June

07 June

07 June

23 June

05 July

07 July

20 July

23 July

Monday to Saturday

Monday to Friday

Monday to Friday

Saturdays

Monday to Saturday

Monday to Saturday

Monday & Wednesday

Monday & Wednesday

Saturdays

Saturdays

Monday to Saturday

Saturdays

Monday to Friday

Sundays

Monday to Friday

Crash Course Level A1

Summer Kids’ batch Level 1

Regular All levels

Conversation batches

Crash Course Level A2

Crash Course Level B1

Grammar Course Level A1-Part 2

Reading workshop

Kids’ batches Level (1, 2 and 3)


Crash Course Level B1


Regular All levels

Sunday Batches All levels

Survival Kit

10:15 am – 04:15 pm

10:15 am – 01:15 pm

Contact Reception or call

08:00 am – 09:30 am | 02:30 pm – 04:00 pm

08:00 am – 02:00 pm

10:15 am – 04:15 pm

10:15 am – 11:45 am

06:30 pm – 08 :00 pm

04:00 pm – 06:00 pm

08:00 am – 09:30 am | 02:30 pm – 04:00 pm

10:15 am – 04:15 pm

08:00 am – 09:30 am | 02:30 pm – 04:00 pm

See details page 3

09:00 am – 03:00 pm

06:30 pm – 08:30 pm

Date Course Timings Days

Free for Members/Students. Non-members on contribution Enquire at the Reception Entry Free, Open to All

Concert: “Guillaume Blanc in Violin Concert” | French Gallery Date: 13 June | Time: 08:30 pmOpen Evening: “Musical Programme” | French GalleryDate: 21 June | Time: 06:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Exhibition: “In Search of Bapu” | French Gallery Inauguration: 09 May, 06:00 pm | Public View: 10 – 16 May, 11:00 – 08:00 pm

Play: “Shukdan” by Fanatika | Gandhinagar Town HallDate: 10 May | Time: 09:00 pm

Kathak Workshop by Vaishali Trivedi | French GalleryDates: 22 – 28 May | Time: 07:00 – 09:00 pm

Dubbing the legendary scenes of french cinema | French Library Date: 21 May | Time: 07:00 – 08:00 pmKaraoke Evening | French LibraryDate: 19 June | Time: 07:00 – 08:00 pm

Ciné Café: “La Grande Illusion” | French Gallery Date: 31 May | Time: 09:00 pm Cine Club La Bataille De Solferino | French Gallery Date: 27 June | Time: 07:00 pm

celebrating 33rd edition of the world...

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