LAHORE: (Thursday, April 05, 2012): Punjab University Department OF French Thursday organized an inter-institutional speech contest in French language to celebrate Francophony Day at Al Raazi Hall of Undergraduate Study Centre. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran was the chief guest on the occasion while French Ambassador Mr Philippe Thiebaud was the guest of honour. Mr Bessat, Councilor from the French Embassy, Mr. D. Scobry, Director Alliance Française of Lahore, Chairperson Department of French Prof Dr Saleha Nazir, senior faculty members and a large number of students from different institutions and PU were present on the occasion.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran said that this was a rare and valuable occasion. He said that this was the best opportunity for the students to express better in the language they are learning. He urged the students to learn French and other important languages of the world. He thanked the French Ambassador for collaboration with PU’s French Department and lauded the efforts of Prof Dr Saleha Nazir. He said that the university administration understanding the importance of French language provided a separate building.

The French Ambassador in his address said that he was impressed by the event. He said that French was official language of around 30-34 countries and was spreading rapidly. He said that French was not only a language of art and culture but also a huge literature of science and economics was available in the language. He said that Pakistan was one of the largest trade partners of European Union. He said that we were keen to enhance Pakistani exports to Europe. He said that his country would promote relations between the two societies.

In her inaugural address, Dr Saleha Nazeer highlighted major achievements of the department and announced launching of 4 years BS (French) in the upcoming session. She said it was after a lapse of almost 40 years that the French department had a faculty member with Ph.D. in French. In the speech contest, 6 institutions participated and Aitchison College got 1st prize, Alliance Française stood 2nd and Kinnaird College bagged 3rd prize. The speech topic was: “Is today’s education adequate for our character building?” Students from LUMS, Lahore College for Women University, and Fatima Jinnah Girls College also took part in the contest. The Director French Centre also praised all the participants for their effort and excellent performance.