Making a strong pitch for Indian students to learn French, Consul General of France to Kolkata Damien Syed today said knowing English will not be always enough for students to establish themselves.
Syed, who was present at an MoU signing between Alliance Francaise du Bengale and a private educational group for starting Alliance Francaise branches in different parts of West Bengal for teaching France to students, said "In today's world we have to promote foreign languages, especially targetting the youth."
Stating English may not be always enough in todays world, he said "Since everyone speaks the language (in India), there is no added value ... For young students knowing French language will open a window of a new world, of a new culture, of a new way of thinking."
"It will give them access to the rich culture of many other countries - France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and half of Africa," he said.
This was more important as India was reinforcing its economic ties with Africa.
Besides, French is the language of conversation of a number of countries and the official language of several countries, the Consul said. It is also the official language of many international organisations like the UN, EU and hence learning French can be a big asset for students, he said.
Alliance Francaise du Bengale Director Fabrice Plancon speaking of the organisation's move to expand out of Kolkata said "We plan to go all over Bengal."
Plancon said French language course will initially start from July 26 in north Bengal.
"North Bengal remains an important region for us. I had visited the place in recent times and was impressed by the high quality facility offered by the educational group in places like Siliguri. It is a wonderful partnership," he said.
Altogether 20 branches to impart French language from fifth standard will be set up across the state in the coming months, a spokesperson of the MoU partner Techno India group said.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)