An initiative to bring French literature closer to Keralites
In a vibrant celebration of cultural and literary exchange, the French Institute in India and DC Books jointly launched the 'Pardon My French!' bookshelf at DC Books here on Thursday evening.
The initiative aims at bringing French literature closer to Indian readers through curated translations and accessible editions.
The launch featured a conversation between Shashi Tharoor, author and MP, and Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India. The duo explored the rich tapestry of French and Indian literary traditions and the lasting influence of French story-telling on Indian readers.
Cultural commonalities
Dr. Tharoor highlighted the role of Victor Hugo in making French literature accessible in India. He emphasised the value of literary exchange in broadening perspectives and nurturing creativity. He also spoke about the cultural commonalities between India and France, particularly the value both societies placed on intellectual discussion and community forums.
'In India, we have traditions like the Malayali 'chayakkada' and Bengali 'adda'— spaces where people come together to discuss everything from politics to poetry. France too has a strong café culture that fosters similar democratic dialogue,' Dr. Tharoor said, drawing parallels that resonated with the audience.
Ambassador Mathou expressed optimism that the 'Pardon My French!' initiative would ignite curiosity about French literature among Indian readers, particularly the youth. 'Literature is a powerful bridge between cultures. These stories help us understand each other better,' he said.
International understanding
Several school students in the audience asked the speakers questions on the influence of literature on diplomacy and how cultural exchange shaped international understanding. In reply, both Dr. Tharoor and Dr. Mathou stressed the role of literature in building empathy and global citizenship.
The 'Pardon My French!' bookshelf features a diverse selection of French classics and contemporary works, translated into English and Indian languages.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
6 minutes ago
- Hans India
West Bengal Foundation Day celebrated at Raj Bhavan
Vijayawada: Governor S Abdul Nazeer along with First Lady Sameera Nazeer participated as chief guest at the West Bengal State Foundation Day celebrations at Raj Bhavan under 'Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat' programme here on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said West Bengal is historically a significant state, and well known for its cultural heritage and social renaissance. The Governor said the people of Bengal played a leading role in the freedom movement and India's National flag was first hoisted in Calcutta and the country's National Anthem and National Song are the great contribution of West Bengal to the country. The Governor said that 'Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat' programme aims at forging a strong relationship and bonding among all people of the country, and promotes mutual understanding between different States and Union Territories, through the concept of 'One Nation - One People.' Earlier, the programme commenced with a message from C V Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal, followed by recital of Bengali poems by Manali Basu, Ritam Bhattacharya, speech by Dr M Abou Raihan Rinku, and West Bengal folk dance performance by Vidya Lakshmi, Hema Sri, Moukthika, Sahasri, Ruthu, Sathwika and Deepika.
Hindustan Times
7 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Priyanka Chopra slays in black, dons bright orange wig in fun game with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. See pics
Actor Priyanka Chopra knows how to turn heads whether on-screen or off. Currently busy promoting her upcoming film Heads of State, the star was recently spotted leaving NBC Studios after taping her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Pictures and videos of her waving at paparazzi and obliging fans with selfies and playing a fun game with Jimmy on the show, quickly surfaced online, sending her admirers into a frenzy. (Also Read: Priyanka Chopra holds Malti tight as she enjoys her first roller coaster ride at Disney World: 'We went 4 times') The video shows Priyanka waving and posing for paparazzi outside NBC Studios. Photographers couldn't stop complimenting her, calling her 'gorgeous' and 'beautiful.' She also took time to sign autographs and take selfies with fans gathered outside before heading to her car. Priyanka Chopra's team also shared a series of photos from her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The pictures captured the actor in a lively conversation with Jimmy, looking stunning in a black body-hugging dress paired with black heels and a sparkling diamond necklace. The photos also offered a sneak peek of Priyanka and Jimmy donning wigs and playing a fun game on the show, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the episode. A post shared by Team Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@team_pc_) Heads of State is an American action-comedy film directed by Ilya Naishuller. The star-studded cast includes John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, and Carla Gugino. The story follows two world leaders who must put aside their rivalry to prevent a global conspiracy after becoming targets of a dangerous foreign adversary. The action-packed trailer features Priyanka as Noel Bisset, a senior MI6 agent tasked with protecting Clarke and Derringer. While many fans were impressed with Priyanka's fierce action-packed avatar, some felt her role appeared limited. The film is scheduled to release on Amazon Prime Video on July 2. Meanwhile, Priyanka is set to return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated SSMB 29. Touted to be an action-adventure in the vein of Indiana Jones, the film also stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles. The film is currently in production, and several behind-the-scenes photos from the Hyderabad shoot have surfaced online, sparking major excitement among fans.
New Indian Express
14 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Metro line at Kathipara an engineering marvel: CM Stalin
CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday described the Chennai Metro Rail constructions under way at Kathipara junction as an 'engineering marvel' during a site inspection of the elevated corridor. The project involves laying metro tracks directly atop the Kathipara flyover, marking a first for Indian infrastructure development. Stalin, who posted pictures of his visit on the social media, recalled the original flyover was built under the leadership of his late father and former chief minister M Karunanidhi, and has since stood as a symbol of the city's modernisation drive. 'Today, I inspected the work being carried out to lay Metro tracks, a first-of-its-kind in India, on top of the flyover,' he wrote. 'I have instructed that this engineering marvel be completed on time so that Chennai residents could soon enjoy a smoother urban commute.' The Kathipara intersection, one of Chennai's busiest, is being retrofitted to support the additional metro corridor as part of Phase II of the city's transit expansion plan.
