Dolcy D’Cruz
World French Day, celebrated annually on March 20, honours the French language and its global influence. Organised by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the day highlights French as a language of culture, communication, and connection across continents. It celebrates creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange among Francophone communities while promoting linguistic diversity. In Goa, World French Day is celebrated enthusiastically by Alliance Française, which hosts workshops, storytelling sessions, music performances, film screenings, and art activities for both children and adults. These events aim to make French accessible and engaging, encouraging everyone to explore the language, literature, and arts of the Francophone world. The Alliance Française centre in Panjim specifically engages children through a variety of creative and educational programs. Their activities introduce young learners to French language and culture in fun, interactive ways, using games, music, art, and storytelling. Through these initiatives, Alliance Française not only helps children develop language skills but also fosters cultural awareness, creativity, and a lasting love for learning. The next major initiative by Alliance Française is the Manohar Rai Sardessai Wall Art Project, honouring the legacy of Dr Manohar Rai Sardessai, a celebrated Konkani poet, writer, and French translator. Renowned for his contributions to modern Konkani poetry, Dr Manohar’s work crossed linguistic boundaries, embracing Konkani, English, French, Portuguese, and Marathi. As the former Head of the Department of French at Goa University, he mentored generations of writers, fostering literary talent and inspiring countless students. His exceptional achievements were recognized with the Sahitya Akademi Award and the esteemed title of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques, awarded by the French Government. He was also a life member of Alliance Française de Goa. This wall art project celebrates his enduring influence, creating a public tribute that highlights his literary brilliance and cross cultural contributions. “The main objective is to celebrate the literary legacy of Manohar Rai Sardessai by bringing his French poetry into public spaces through visual art. The project French for All (with the French Embassy and the Directorate of Education) also aims to foster creativity, multilingual learning, and cultural appreciation among students. We have 23 different government schools who have collaborated with the French Embassy, The Directorate of Education and Alliance Française Panjim. These are schools that offer French and are placed all over Goa,” informs Director of Alliance Française Panjim, Shamika Andrade, who has her bachelors and masters in French Literature, DALF C2, BEd and a keen passion for Goa and all things Goan. Led by Shamika and teachers from Alliance Française, students will engage with selected French poems followed by interpreting their themes and then visually through murals. This process allows them to deeply understand the emotional and cultural nuances of the poetry. French artists will collaborate with students by mentoring them in mural techniques, visual storytelling, and artistic expression, while also bringing an international perspective to the project. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to think beyond traditional learning methods. By merging words, visuals, and languages, students develop imagination, critical thinking, and innovative expression. In what ways can projects like the Manohar Rai Sardessai Wall Art Project help preserve cultural and literary heritage? “Such initiatives revive interest in regional literature by making it visible and accessible to younger generations. By transforming poetry into art, they ensure that cultural narratives remain alive in contemporary spaces,” explains Shamika. She further adds how initiatives like this help boost the confidence and Dr Manohar Rai Sardessai and his love for French creativity of young Goans, “ Participating students gain a sense of ownership and pride in their work. Seeing their creations displayed publicly boosts self esteem, while collaborative work enhances communication and creative confidence.” Students improve language skills, analytical thinking, and cultural awareness. These projects also enhance interdisciplinary learning, which can positively impact academic performance and communication abilities. There is so much of enthusiasm and dedication from the students that it is extremely heartwarming and rewarding to see. The recently painted wall art dedicated to Percival Noronha at Alliance Française Panjim is a tribute to his contributions to Goan heritage. It reflects a similar philosophy, blending art, history, and education to create meaningful cultural engagement within the community. “Led by the Alliance Française network in India, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in India and the Institut Français, Wall Art India has, since 2021, transformed city walls into open-air galleries free and accessible to all, deeply rooted in local neighbourhoods, and designed to remain part of the urban landscape long after the festival ends. Spanning 15 cities across the country, the festival brings together four internationally recognised artists: two women and two men, three from France (including one from Réunion) and one Indian artist, for a month-long artistic journey shaped by exchange, participation and shared creation,” shares Shamika. Recently two educational institutes, Loyola Higher Secondary School, Margao and Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley, Pilerne participated in the bande dessinée project. French teacher at Loyola Higher Secondary School, Margao, Alison Carvalho shares the experience of the bande dessinée project. “Last month, two graphic artists Julia Bourdet and Samarth (Roequin), held a workshop in collaboration with The Alliance Francaise, Panjim, for the students of Loyola Higher Secondary School, Margao. The artists, who are currently on a residency program, organised a few activities for the 29 students that touched upon the art of graphic novels and visual story telling. The students, most of whom had never experienced a hands on activity of this type were very enthusiastic. They had to create images and weave stories about them using idioms in French. The two hour workshop seemed too short to contain the levels of creativity tapped by the artists,” says Alison. On March 21, Alliance Française Panjim is celebrating Fête de la Francophonie at Green Acres, Tonca, Panjim from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, an evening full of fun and engagement as a joyful tribute to the French language and culture. The evening will include escape room games, quizzes, French-themed games, karaoke, and live music, all accompanied by delicious food and beverages.
