Thu Jun 19 17:50:16 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
The French Institute in India and DC Books launched the “Pardon My French!” bookshelf in Thiruvananthapuram on June 19, 2025. This initiative aims to make French literature more accessible to Indian readers through translations and curated editions. The launch event featured a discussion between Shashi Tharoor and the French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, focusing on the importance of literary exchange in fostering understanding between cultures. The event highlighted the commonalities between Indian and French cultures, the influence of French literature, and the role of literature in building empathy and global citizenship. The bookshelf features a diverse selection of French works translated into English and Indian languages.
**News Article:**
**French Literature Finds New Home in India with “Pardon My French!” Bookshelf Launch**
**Thiruvananthapuram, June 19, 2025** – In a bid to strengthen cultural ties and broaden literary horizons, the French Institute in India, in collaboration with DC Books, launched the “Pardon My French!” bookshelf today. The initiative, unveiled in a ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram, aims to make French literature more accessible to Indian readers through curated translations and editions.
The launch event featured a captivating conversation between author and MP Shashi Tharoor and the French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou. The discussion centered on the enduring influence of French storytelling on Indian readers and the critical role of literary exchange in fostering mutual understanding.
Dr. Tharoor emphasized the historical impact of figures like Victor Hugo in popularizing French literature in India. He further drew parallels between the vibrant intellectual cultures of India and France, citing examples like the Malayali “chayakkada” and the French café culture as spaces that encourage open dialogue and community engagement.
Ambassador Mathou expressed his optimism that the “Pardon My French!” initiative will spark interest in French literature among Indian youth. “Literature is a powerful bridge between cultures,” he stated, “These stories help us understand each other better.”
The event also saw enthusiastic participation from local school students, who engaged the speakers with insightful questions about the influence of literature on diplomacy and the impact of cultural exchange on international relations. Both Dr. Tharoor and Ambassador Mathou highlighted the power of literature to build empathy and promote global citizenship.
The “Pardon My French!” bookshelf boasts a diverse selection of French classics and contemporary works, translated into both English and various Indian languages, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of French literature. The initiative is a significant step in fostering stronger cultural connections between India and France, one book at a time.
First Piper 