The recently concluded 38th IATF Congress in Jaipur marked a significant moment for the Indian Association of Teachers of French (IATF). Celebrating 70 years of excellence, this Congress emerged as a pivotal point in 2024 for this esteemed association of French language educators.
Why is it a turning point?
Let us explore its history, present state, and the vision for the future.
A Glorious Past: Strong Roots of IATF
Founded 70 years ago, the IATF is one of the oldest associations of French language teachers in the world. Its legacy is built on the dedication and expertise of luminaries such as Mrs. Surekha Kher, Mrs. Meenal Kshirsagar, Mrs. Amrita Raghunandan, Mrs Anjali Lokur & Dr. Anuradha Wagle in recent past, who have played key roles in shaping its foundation. Over the years, many members of IATF have been honored with prestigious awards, such as the “Chevalier d’Ordre des Palmes Académiques” from the French Republic. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, six members received this esteemed decoration, a testament to the association’s caliber.
IATF has also been a cradle of innovation, planting the seeds of new ideas for its members to nurture and grow. One shining example is the “International French Spellbee”, launched in collaboration with the French Embassy in 2010 by IATF. Under the mentorship of Mrs. Amrita Raghunandan who was at helm of affairs at that time, me as one of the active members of the association, took up this initiative with zeal not only to make the 2010 event a success but also carry the flame beyond 2010. Today, the Spellbee attracts over 10,000 participants annually from across India and Asia, fostering a love for French phonetics and language proficiency in schools nationwide. Such initiatives underline the association’s role as a guardian and promoter of the French language, spreading its influence from Jammu and Kashmir in North to Kanyakumari in South & from Assam in East to Ajmer in West and beyond.
The Present: Challenges and Opportunities
As we stand in 2024, IATF faces a world undergoing rapid change. The challenges are multi-faceted:
1. Technological Evolution : The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual learning, and augmented reality is reshaping education. Teaching methods must evolve to stay relevant in this fast-paced environment.
2. Nationalism vs. Globalism : In an era marked by increasing nationalism, the promotion of foreign languages like French often contends with the push for local languages. This presents a unique challenge for language educators to balance cultural preservation with global connectivity.
3. Mushrooming Associations : The emergence of new associations, often driven by personal or business motives, disrupts the ecosystem of collective growth. Unlike the deeply rooted IATF, many of these organizations lack the ethos of mentorship and community-building, focusing instead on short-term gains. Yet, IATF’s resilience and authenticity position it well to navigate this landscape.
Despite these challenges, French remains a gateway to global opportunities. Teachers, as passionate custodians of the language, must continue to uphold ethics and innovation in their practices.
The Future: Adapting, Reinventing, and Growing
The Congress, centered on the theme “Tradition, Transition, and Adaptation,” beautifully encapsulated IATF’s pivotal role in shaping the future of language education. At this crucial juncture, the association must harness technological advancements while preserving its rich heritage. The 38th Congress showcased this vision through engaging workshops on AI, augmented reality, and the participation of innovative media platforms like TV5Monde and RFI (Radio France Internationale), highlighting the need to integrate cutting-edge tools into language teaching. Moreover, building strategic partnerships with industries, expanding collaborations, and working closely with government agencies, while embracing diverse perspectives, remains essential to driving innovation and ensuring a vibrant, impactful future for the association.
The election of Dr. Sumitra Muthukumar as the new president, along with her vice-president Mrs. Jaya Gadgil with great team of Dr. Nandita Wagle and Mrs. Sudnya Athale as new torchbearers at the helm at national level, signals a renewed vision. Drawing inspiration from the great philosopher Shankaracharya, who rose from the southernmost state of Kerala and unified diverse knowledge systems across India, Dr. Muthukumar’s leadership reflects a similar journey. Hailing from South India, she brings a deep commitment to inclusivity and progress, ensuring that IATF remains adaptable to modern challenges while rooted in its rich traditions.
At this pivotal point, IATF is poised not only to weather contemporary challenges but also to strengthen its role as a beacon for French educators across India and beyond. Its focus on mentoring, fostering innovation, and embracing new technologies will ensure it remains relevant and impactful for decades to come.
Le Frehindi: A Friend in France
At Le Frehindi, we are proud to stand as a rock-solid partner of IATF. We are committed to supporting its activities, workshops, and congresses while offering cultural and experiential programs that make French accessible and enriching. From affordable mobility programs to meaningful collaborations, Le Frehindi ensures that every IATF member and their students feel at home in France.
As we say, “A friend in France is called Frehindi.”
Haru MEHRA
President, Le Frehindi – Paris
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