welcome to Alliance Française de Chittagong Blogspot

Welcome to my blog. This blog has been designed with you in mind and will allow you to keep up-to-date with my work representing Alliance Française de Chittagong and it's diversified  activities. I am  privileged to represent  the excellencies  and superiority of this institute in the field language learning and skill development. I welcome any suggestion from you regarding the betterment of my work. Thank you... 

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

AFC, source of motivation

Today I’m really feeling happy, as my result of DELF b1 exam came out. And I have succeeded in my DELF b1 diploma. It is very important for anyone who is perusing his higher level study in the French language and most significantly it is a recognition for all of your hard work. Anyway, today I will talk about the effort to bring innovation by Alliance Française de Chittagong in photography & photographic art area.

By now most of the people who follow my blog know that, AFC is one of the biggest promoters for our local innovations. It always looks forward to introduce new creative work through opening window for new comers. And that doesn't ends here, finding their inner sense, beauties and expressions of artwork are what it purports at least. Through out the passage it has brought about some amazing things for our artistic generation. An Example can be given of increasing number of photographers and artists and viewers in art who gather during exhibition, workshop, and training session.

I would like to share some of my wonderful experience at this point, for instance, last year I visited AFC’s newly renovated gallery when the exhibition “MANUSH” was going on. It was an extraordinary exhibition of 52 photos that he included, with text both in Bangle and English. The theme of this exhibition was to display the different stages and phases of human life,which typically include childhood and teenage stages, generations, single and multiple identities, it's connection to the environment, work, alienation and death.

The presentation of each photo was exceptionally unique, reflecting photographer’s great flavor of presenting contemporary artworks. The photos were framed in sober black color which made those very attractive to look at as well as more expressive. Mr. Shoab FARUQUEE,the photographer himself was present there and was addressing journalists and viewers as he was acknowledging the success of that exhibition. He said… “I was very much pleased and thankful to all the enlightened viewers, because of whom the exhibition was successful.” He added,” I could arrange at least 50 exhibitions using my current photo stock, but lack of motivation and encouragement hindered me to step forward, especial thanks to AFC,for it's strong Initiative without which it was not possible to arrange such a magnificent solo exhibition.“

That exhibition was one of my favorites because everything about that was just perfect. After the exhibition I talked to Mr.FARUQUEE about how important was AFC's involvement in presenting your art work? He replied, “its a good platform any artist who are willing to show their work,their cooperation was a huge boost in confidence, for the most part”

Personally I felt, AFC’s devotion to cultural development and nurturing young artistic generation is incredible as well as a source of motivation for all.

Friday, March 26, 2010

AFC, Conserver Of Our Cultural Heritage

In my first post I told a little about French innovations and cultural contributions to this world. Our Alliance Française de Chittagong is approaching the same goal since its establishment in 1965. Its founder also came up with the same vision, to enrich our local culture as well as to spread the light of knowledge in our locality.

Having no change in vision, current Alliance Française de Chittagong now representing various cross cultural events on a regular basis. Thus its contribution is so much that can not be stated in a single post. So I will try to describe its cultural contributions in a way.

Alliance Française de Chittagong has been organizing the “FATE DE La MUSIQUE”- International Music Day each year on 21st June for the last 24 years. It was since 2006; AFC decided to bring some renowned artist with a purpose of making a landmark event for all folk lovers. Forida PARVEEN was the first artist who joined this event in 2006; we have had as many as 700 audiences that evening, remarkable indeed.

The following year we had Rezwana Chowdhury BANYA, the famous Rabindrasangeet singer, for the same event. She performed some fantastic Rabindrasangeet on that program. It was also a very successful event. Next year, Shaheen SAMAD was invited for that event, who is undoubtedly one of the most famous Nazrul artists in this country.
Impeccably, her presence on that event was a gracious appreciation for our culture loving generation. Moreover, people from different parts of Chittagong joined that event and enjoyed the music. Their response made that event even more enjoyable.

Last “FATE DE LA MUSIC” was also very special for all folk lovers in Chittagong as we had folk Music legend Kiran Chandra ROY. All the music he sang that evening was my favorite. He started with Guru Bandana (warship to Guru), then commenced singing from Lalon. Later he picked up songs form Rada Rahman, Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah and the Great Sachin Dev Barman. In addition, he delighted the audiences with some rare folk music from different regions of Bangladesh. All the instrumentalists performed electrically through out the event. Finally, he end up with a request form a passionate audience member, unfortunately, it was not me who made it though I tried in vain to convey my request.

This is how we celebrated the “FATE DE La MUSIQUE” in 2009. After that, AFC organized “1st Lalon music conference 2009” on the 9th December in Chittagong for the first time, at AFC premises. Fakir Bazlu shah, Fakir Abul shah, Ustad Mashiur Rahman shah, Abdul Mannan & others were there to present numerous Lalon songs. It was a phenomenal effort to reenergize our lost heritage, as we know nearly 6000 out of 10000 Lalon songs has lost with the course of time. Our director of AFC, Samuel BARTHET and The mayor of Chittagong, A.B.M. Mohiuddin CHOWDHURY was there to enjoy the extraordinary music of Lalon. I enjoyed the whole evening with the rest of audiences.

In 2010, Alliance Française de Chittagong welcomed one of the most prestigious artists in this subcontinent; he is none other then, Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar. He was in AFC premises to present his Dhrupad, unique rendition of his creation, in the program of INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010. We also had Ustad Azizul Islam, great flute musician following day, and Peter Pannake, classical fusionist. Actually, I was lucky to see them performing under same roof. Thanks to AFC.

I know, it’s quite dull to interpret all these names and events than sitting in front and enjoying them. Though, my purpose does not lie in just mentioning the names, but to determine AFC’s generosity to my country's heritage. As we can see it is continuously putting its effort to promote our greatest riches, our folk music. Plus it is revitalizing our lost wisdom for our country music.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Frindahip and Alliançe Francaise

Last time I shared some of my experience with Alliance Française de Chittagong. Today I will share some others experience with this great French language center. Actually I have been taking some interview of some current and former students just to find out why they came to this language center, what was their motive?

Most of junior level students’ first acquaintance to this organization is through the University of Chittagong. In fact, they have a one year duration course at Chittagong University and due to have some in depth knowledge of French they come here to study. Not only them but also some student of English medium school who got the French language as a foreign language subject or has collaboration with AFC also come here to study the French. Others just come to meet their curiosity or just passing their time or, to meet their job requirement.

After talking to some fellow mates I found that their early intention was quite complex, however their following words were incredibly heart touching. All of them fall in love with this fantastic learning center. And that is not just for its unique quality and extraordinary facilities, but for its clam nature surrounding its premises and for its great CAFÉ DU PARIS, a great place for having short refreshments and most importantly making friends. Everyone whoever stepped into to this café has liked it because of its cozy & homely environment as well as for its nice and welcoming faces.

One of my senior mates from level 301, M. Mamun, shared me his experience. It is like…”I came to this center to learn French, first of all, and I thought it will be helpful to pursue my university study, but I simply fall in love with it ever since I stepped into it. I love every thing about it”. M Sumadri, one of the teacher of AFC shared me his experience as a former student of this language center, “it was a coincidence, I came here first in 1992, as a participant of a yoga program held here back then, my cousin and brothers in Chittagong University motivated me to come here and finally in 2003, I started my journey here, and I loved this place at first sight”. He added” I love to visit resource center and study there and I made lots of friend in AFC and those moments are just invaluable to me”

Hundreds of current and former student come here everyday to visit this great place and meet their friends. All of them are from different background, from different society, but this place is smashing up all their differences and welcoming them to unconditional friendship.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

My days of Alliance Française

It’s been more than a week since my last post. Actually I’m working for my upcoming DELF B1 examination. That is one of the mile stone for the student of French language completing there second year. Personally I found myself very lucky to be at this point and experiencing so much of this language. This is not just because this language is challenging to learn but also for other environmental challenge such as lack of scope for interaction outside Alliance Française etc.

Personally I'm not a good student so it was quite a hassle for me to pass those exams. Things changed for me while I found M. Asraf as a course instructor just before my DELF A2. He used to do fun with me and I can still remember his smiley face. He used to tell me “TRAVAILLE FORT Khairul”. That means work hard Khairul, I really miss his smiley face. He is now completing his master’s degree from Bordeaux University, France. I wish his success and hope he will join us again after completing his educational expedition.

After him we were replaced by a young lady called Mademoiselle Murial. She was a very good instructor in a sense that she forces us to explore the deep inside the French language. To her it was just as much as a sea which never ran out of water. I have to admit those classes were really tough for us. As she was the first French teacher we ever confronted and this confrontation was a huge experience for me.

After her, M.Gurupada started to take care of us. And we underwent under him quite smoothly until I slipped in my 203 level for some of my personal reasons. It was a shock for me, but it was not enough strong to take control over my will. Then, Madam Zarin stared our new 203 course, she is explained all the things in the class and waited for response until we utter the correct one. She helped me in lots of ways specially she thought me how to develop imagination during oral exam.

Now I'm joining one of the most prestigious teachers of Alliance Française de Chittagong and she is none other then Madam Anne tual. Actually, it was a surprise for us as M.Asish sir managed her to take our class and not letting us know who is taking our new 204 class. We entered our specified class and found a blond women waiting for us eagerly. My first impression was like “it will turn out to be a great course for us”. Till now it has already turned out as a successful one. She thought us how to evoke argumentation and how to contrast and how to prepare for oral exam. I have joined 12 classes of M. Anne and it feels like you entered into a new world of knowledge as her priority always surrounding by us.

We have already received a lot from her and yet hoping to receive more.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Opportunity,Culture & Alliance Française de chittagong......

Some people say culture is their dress through which they represent themselves and some feel it's their identity. To me culture is like rainbow, where all the colors get together and lights everything nearby. French culture is not an exception to that. When I think of French culture that gives me an image of a reservoir where all innovation and knowledge pour into. I know my knowledge is limited and even more limited when it comes to culture. But the words I'm using for French culture that can not be ignored.

Years after years this culture has witnessed so many bright talents and great innovators, those can not be named in short time. Only a few culture had this fortune like French. Many writers, filmmakers, actors, dancers, sculptures, artists, cartoonists, musicians etc has contributed over the ages to enrich this culture through their innovation. For instance, Victor Hugo, who was a French poet, playwright, novelist, essayist, visual artist, statesman, human rights activist and exponent of the Romantic movement in France. Many others like him contributed and still contributing to give this culture a perfection shape. Hence there is no doubt that this culture is gifted in so many ways.

As I stated my cultural Knowledge is very narrow, however my curiosity is enough strong to feed my hunger of knowledge. In addition, I had such a good fortune that brings me to a place, where I can feed myself. Yes, I'm talking about Alliance Française de Chittagong. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of it. I'm grateful to this organization for the knowledge it has delivered me. I believe it has everything that a culture lover needs. It organizes many cross- cultural displays which mostly include films, exhibitions, theaters etc regularly. Those are mostly held in its auditorium.

The place that attracts me the most in its premise is its library “bibliotèque d’Alliance Française”. I call it hub of knowledge and door to success. Since it has all that a student need to satisfy it curiosity. This is a very versatile library with lots of facilities. It has a big collection for both young learner and experienced learner. It has all kinds of collection from comics to novel literature, geographic to encyclopedia. It even has lots brochures and leaflets which contains information for admission in French universities and collages. Moreover, it provides computer facilities for its users along with Internet to keep its users knowledge up to date. Besides it has a very attractive collection of French music and movies. What is more, it has a wonderful collection of pedagogy material and grammar books for students practice. What I like most about this library is its discipline; this is always clam place perfect for reading and concentration. And it is open for all culture lovers & knowledge seekers during the visiting hours.

Personally, I believe all students living inside Chittagong should pay, at least a visit to this great resource center, since this place has bring both luck and opportunity to many of it's users.