NICOLE SUARES
In his French poem, Wherever I Go, author and poet, Manohar Rai Sardessai, strikes a nostalgic chord when he writes: ‘Without your love, away from your life/O Goa I do not know how to live’.
It is from the French writings of this Goan author that readers in France gained an understanding of the Goa Liberation movement, and this opened the European readership to the tiny Indian State.
Sardessai’s writings fostered a deep connection with the French and led to the opening of Alliance Française, Panjim, which promotes a cultural intermingling between the two.
This year, the launch of Pardon My French, a book club to discuss French literature, an initiative by the French Institute in India with Alliance, highlights the importance of literature as a bridge between nations.
It welcomes Francophone writers in fostering cultural exchange and promoting a deeper understanding of French literary traditions in India.
ABOUT THE CLUB
The club is part of nationwide openings of French Corners in select bookshops. In Goa, readers can leaf through a wide range of contemporary and classic French works, translated into English and various Indian languages, at The Dogears Bookshop in Margao.
The club operates in hybrid mode, with online and offline discussions. After the formal launch in February, the club hosted two noted Francophone authors – Ari Gautier (Norway) and Ananda Devi (Mauritius). The third will be Priya Hein Riambel on May 25, 2024 at 3 pm.
Development In-Charge at Alliance Française, Panjim, Shamika Andrade, applauded this significant initiative’s role in fostering cultural connections. She believes it offers an excellent opportunity for Indian readers to explore the influential works of French literary giants, past and present.
She said, “Goan authors and French authors, along with a local, national and global audience, will celebrate discussing literature in all its richness.”
It is from the French writings of this Goan author that readers in France gained an understanding of the Goa Liberation movement, and this opened the European readership to the tiny Indian State.
Underscoring the vital role of cultural exchanges in literature, co-founder of The Dogears Bookshop, Leonard Fernandes, said the collaboration would widen the representation of books from all cultures.
He said, “We are honoured to be part of this initiative as it renews our commitment to making all language books accessible. We have a huge collection of translated German books. So, we thought French would be a good addition.”
The curated selection also features Francophone writers from Egypt and Cameroon.
GOA’S FRENCH CONNECT
Speaking of the impact of authors like Sardessai on the Goan-French connection, Professor Edith Noronha Melo Furtado, author of The Works of Manohar Rai Sardessai: A Meeting Point between India and France, calls him a catalyst between India and France, more precisely, between Goa and France.
His patronage and contribution graced all the French cultural and linguistic events held in Goa. He also collaborated in French research and the domain of social anthropology, including certain aspects of Goan culture.
Speaking of the impact of authors like Sardessai on the Goan-French connection, Professor Edith Noronha Melo Furtado, author of The Works of Manohar Rai Sardessai: A Meeting Point between India and France, calls him a catalyst between India and France, more precisely, between Goa and France.
During the Portuguese rule, French was the second language studied at the Lyceum, Panjim, and its literature highly influenced some of Goa’s great sons of the soil. The French ideals of patriotism influenced writers like Sardessai in using their words to awaken the spirit of liberty.
She also mentions other Goans, like musician Carlos Eugenio Ferreira, who included Goan culture and traditional elements in his French compositions.
Fernando Leal was praised for his translations from French and his excellent skills in French.
Furtado believes that cultural understanding is enhanced through literature as ‘it embodies the essence of culture.
Through stories, myths and narratives, it captures a people’s collective memory, values and aspirations. Since it explores shared themes and the universal human experience, themes like love, loss, courage and identity resonate universally.’
In the case of foreign language works, translators bridge the language divide. Furtado says they enable literary conversations across cultures and allow us to explore foreign landscapes without leaving our homes.
Happy reading!
If you're interested in joining Pardon My French book club, you can visit Alliance Française, Panjim, or phone 0832 242 0049.
