The 13th edition of the International French Spell Bee (IFSB), successfully organized by Le Frehindi, was not just a competition—it was a celebration of language, culture, perseverance, and global learning. The event brought together young francophones, dedicated educators, eminent academicians, and cultural icons under one roof, reaffirming the power of language as a bridge between nations.
About Le Frehindi: Shaping Global Citizens of the 21st Century
Le Frehindi is a Paris-based experiential learning and youth mobility organization that goes far beyond traditional cultural exchange. Rooted in the philosophy of nurturing responsible global citizens, Le Frehindi designs future-focused programs that seamlessly blend education, skill development, and deep cultural immersion.
Today, Le Frehindi stands among the leading global youth mobility platforms, offering hands-on learning experiences through:
- International cultural exchanges and camps
- Language immersion initiatives
- Skill-based and leadership programs, etc.
These initiatives empower young learners with practical skills, cultural sensitivity, and a global mindset, preparing them to collaboratively address real-world challenges.
The International French Spell Bee is one such flagship initiative—now proudly in its 13th successful year.
A Warm Welcome & Seamless Registrations
The day began with a well-organized registration process, managed efficiently by the Le Frehindi team and volunteers. From verifying participant details to ensuring smooth check-ins, the experience set the tone for a professionally executed event where students could focus entirely on performing their best.
A Powerful Cultural Opening: When Language Comes Alive
The event opened on a deeply artistic and reflective note with a stirring cultural performance that reminded everyone that language is not only spelled or spoken—it is felt.
We were honoured to present Sansaptak, a Delhi-based theatre and arts collective founded in 1992, known for its socially engaged and experimental performances. With over three decades of impactful work and more than 80 productions across India and internationally, Sansaptak is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Kala Parishad, and empanelled with ICCR.
🎭 Performance: “Rakshas Vilaap”
Based on Japanese folklore
Performers: Danish & Anjon Bose
Director & Design: Ms. Sreemoyee Dasgupta
This dramatic readers’ theatre performance left the audience spellbound and set a profound tone for the day.
Honouring the Pillars of the Competition
Esteemed Judges
The competition was elevated by the presence of highly respected academicians:
- Dr. (Prof.) Kiran Chaudhary
Recipient of Officier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques, the highest civilian honour awarded by the French government, and Senior Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Her expertise ensured fairness, rigor, and credibility throughout the competition.
- Ms. Catherine Carras
Senior academic at Université Grenoble Alpes and Director of CUEF Grenoble, a specialist in French for Academic and Specific Purposes, and author of two landmark reference books in French language education. Her presence reinforced the international academic standing of IFSB.
The Pronouncer & Moderator
A thunderous applause was reserved for Madame Jaya Gadgil, Ex-HOD of the French Department at Fergusson College, Professor at Alliance Française de Pune, and Vice President of the Indian Association of Teachers in French.
A pillar of the International French Spell Bee for over a decade, her impeccable pronunciation, deep linguistic insight, and unwavering dedication—even amidst personal challenges—made her role as Pronouncer and Moderator truly invaluable.
Competition Rounds: A Test of Skill, Nerves & Passion
The competition unfolded across multiple stages:
- Preliminary Round – Conducted with complete transparency and discipline
- Inspiring Talk by Sathvik and Meher, former IFSB winners, who shared their journey and motivated participants
- Refreshment Break
- Secondary Round
- Lunch Break
- Finals – Featuring the top three finalists from each level, competing for podium positions
Every round reflected the students’ dedication, preparation, and love for the French language.
Winners of the 13th International French Spell Bee
🟦 Débutant (Grades 4–6)
- Astha Yashkumar Patel – DPS Bopal
- Diya Bhavin Patel – The Galaxy School, Wadi
- Mehtab Singh – Oakridge International School, Mohali
🟨 Intermédiaire (Grades 7–8)
- Akshat Negi – Aravali International School, Greater Faridabad
- Jahaan Gusani – Arpit International School, Rajkot
- Devanjot Kaur – Rustomjee Cambridge International School
🟥 Avancé (Grades 9–12)
- Dishti Gupta – DPS Bulandshehr
- Samaya Bhowmick – DPS Bopal
- Charvi Dawar – Bal Bharti Public School, Manesar
🏅 Winners were felicitated with gold medals, certificates, French gifts, and keyrings, along with their proud teachers.
Victory & Grand Rewards
🥇 1st Prize: All-expenses-paid Scholastic Exchange Tour to France
🥈 2nd Prize: Fully-Funded Global Citizen Camp, Auroville
🥉 3rd Prize: Fully-Covered Adventure Camp, Frehindi Village, Uttarakhand
Introducing the IFSB Teacher Ambassador Program
A special highlight of this year was the launch of the Le Frehindi Ambassador Teacher Program.
🎓 Awarded to:
- Ms. Poonam Singh – DPS Bulandshehr
- Ms. Jyoti Hotchandani – DPS Bopal
Both educators brought 100+ registrations each, showcasing extraordinary dedication to French language promotion.
IFSB Teacher Ambassador Network (Continuing in 14th IFSB)
- 🏅 15+ registrations → E-Certificate of Appreciation
- 🌟 50+ registrations → “Educator Star” Certificate
- 🎁 Top 3 Ambassadors → Gift vouchers (Myntra, Nykaa, Amazon & more)
🔗 Register Now to be the next Teacher Ambassador: https://tinyurl.com/Teacher-ambassador
Our Guest of Honours
The event was further enriched by distinguished guests:
- Stéphanie Orfila : Attaché for Cooperation in Education at the French Embassy in India, Ms. Stéphanie Orfila highlighted how learning French opens pathways to global education, international careers, and cross-cultural mobility. Her presence reinforced the strong Indo-French academic partnership and inspired students to see language as a powerful global tool.
- Anshika Khandelwal : Ms. Anshika Khandelwal, Investment Advisor at the Embassy of France, brought a global professional perspective to the event. She emphasized the importance of language skills and cultural understanding in international careers, diplomacy, and global collaboration.
- Ramesh Nautiyal : Renowned singer and protégé of the legendary R.D. Burman, Mr. Ramesh Nautiyal enthralled the audience with a soulful performance, including his iconic “An Evening in Paris.” His music beautifully echoed the spirit of cultural exchange while inspiring students to pursue excellence with passion and perseverance.
- Kevin Duthel : Chef Kevin Duthel from L’Opéra, France, added a refined cultural dimension to the event, representing the elegance of French gastronomy. His presence highlighted how language, culture, and cuisine together form the essence of French heritage.
- Sharbani Roy : Ms. Sharbani Roy, Head Librarian at Agence Française de Développement (AFD), underscored the role of knowledge, reading, and lifelong learning in shaping globally aware individuals. Her presence added academic depth to the celebration of language learning.
A Flawless Grand Finale: Teamwork at Its Best
The Le Frehindi team and volunteers ensured:
- Seamless registrations
- Disciplined crowd management
- Timely coordination of rounds
- Fair and transparent prelims
The event concluded with a warm high tea, bringing together judges, guests of honour, pronouncer, performers, the Le Frehindi team, and volunteers.
Looking Ahead: Join the 14th International French Spell Bee
✨ Let your students spell their way to the world.
Register Now by clicking on these links:
📚 Levels:
- Débutant: Grades 4–6
- Intermédiaire: Grades 7–8
- Avancé: Grades 9–12
📞 Contact Us:
Phone: +91-9811237080 / 50
Email: frenchspellbee@lefrehindi.com
Website: www.frenchspellbee.fr
Merci Beaucoup & À Bientôt!
As we draw the curtains on the 13th International French Spell Bee, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every participant, teacher, judge, guest, volunteer, and supporter who made this journey unforgettable.
Your passion keeps the French language alive and thriving.
Au revoir et à bientôt — see you at the 14th IFSB! 🇫🇷✨
