And what better way to present the bond between the two countries than through a gala event? Aye, that’s precisely what the centre is doing at present: a three-day celebration to relate AFD’s history, gathering actors of yesteryears and today’s and, overall, giving Delhi a chance to look at its relation with French culture built through the centre over the past five decades. 

Founded in 1956, AFD has always been an exchange-dedicated place for the Indians and the French. It has offered French classes since its creation, and AFD has employed local teachers since the seventies. Indians, in fact, form the entire AFD’s teaching staff today.

The centre has also always been presided by Francophile Indians. 

But it is no longer a small club. “AFD has 4,770 students and presents more than 300 cultural events annually, and not necessarily France-centred” AFD director Alain Rechner says. To make the Capital’s young populace “feel like” discovering French language and culture, “we organise events they can’t find at, say, the India Habitat Centre or the India International Centre — events like jazz and rock concerts.” IHC and IIC’s events, Rechner says, depends “too much on members’ preference”.

But what is it that makes France attractive for Delhi’s students, most of whom look overwhelmingly at the UK, US or Australia? “France’s political image appeals to students,” Rechner says. “It nuances the concept of westernisation — France appears to be less Americanised than other countries.

“Moreover, the command of French offers extra job opportunities.”

Hemant Bisht, a former student at Alliance, says: “Learning French gave a new impetus to my background. Today, I am a part-time lecturer at Amity and a teacher in a Delhi school.”

Another student, Sunil Chauhan, says he studied French because he wants to go to Quebec, in Canada.

According to Alliance authorities, the best student will be rewarded with a nine-month studies programme in France for the first time on March 15. 

Meanwhile, 15 principals from Delhi school met the AFD director on Tuesday to reinforce the collaboration between the centre and the hundred or so local schools that offer French as a course.