KIIT-DU Hosts Odisha’s First National French Pedagogical Summit
Odisha’s first National French Pedagogical Summit – Sommet Pédagogique National du Français 2026 – was held at KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, from 24 to 26 April 2026. The three-day event was organised by the Department of Language & Literature, School of Liberal Studies, KIIT-DU, in collaboration with New Delhi-based Prayatna Education Society and Unisec Publication.
This unique teachers training program at Bhubaneswar brought together educators and language enthusiasts from across India to explore innovative approaches for teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE) in the Indian context.
The summit commenced with the inaugural conference titled “Heritage and Continuity: Rethinking Francophonie in India,” delivered by Dr. Preeti Bhutani, President, Prayatana Educational Society. The inaugural session was also graced by Dr. Sakshi Kaul, Dean (Academics), School of Liberal Studies, KIIT-DU and Mr. Sameer Kumar Das, Associate Dean, Department of Language & Literature, School of Liberal Studies.
The first day featured interactive workshops, including a session on integrating Indian music into language teaching conducted by Ms. Alizée Stéphane from the University of CAEN, Normandie, France, along with activities centered on playful, culturally rooted classroom practices. Participants also attended a cultural visit to the Lingaraj Temple in the evening.
The second day, devoted to advanced training and cultural immersion, emphasized deeper pedagogical training through workshops on connecting culture with competencies, teaching variations of French, and incorporating Indian Francophone literature into teaching. A cultural visit to the Jagannath Temple and participation in temple rituals enriched the experience of the participants.
The final day focused on innovation and reflection, including a session on using social media in FLE teaching. A synthesis session encouraged collective discussion on the future of French in India. The event concluded with the closing remark and certificate distribution to the participants by Prof. (Dr.) Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT-DU.
The summit successfully brought together 40+ French language teachers from across India, serving as a highly impactful outreach and promotional initiative for the University. It created a vibrant platform that not only strengthened existing academic networks but also expanded engagement with educators from diverse regions and institutions. By combining in-depth academic discussions with hands-on workshops and rich cultural immersion activities, the summit effectively showcased innovative pedagogical approaches while reinforcing the relevance and appeal of French studies in the Indian context.
Beyond its academic value, the event functioned as a strategic outreach effort, enhancing visibility, fostering new collaborations, and encouraging wider participation in future initiatives related to French language teaching and learning. It facilitated meaningful dialogue among educators, enabling the exchange of best practices, experiences, and ideas, thereby contributing to a more cohesive and dynamic community of French language professionals in India. Overall, the summit not only promoted the French language but also strengthened institutional connections and inspired sustained engagement in the field. The National French Teachers Training program at KIIT was coordinated by the Assistant Professors (French) – Dr. Anand Kumar Soni and Dr. Nisha Tiwari – of the Department of Language & Literature.