Interactive Session with Madam Christiane Mordelet, Documentary Film Maker From France

PRESS REPORT Interactive Session with Madam Christiane Mordelet, Documentary Film Maker From France & French Certificate Distribution Ceremony On the 12th of October 2023, the Centre for Languages at the University of Ladakh, Leh Campus, organized an interactive session with Madam Christiane Mordelet, a renowned Documentary Filmmaker from France. This event was followed by the distribution of French Certificates to the1st French Certificate batch of the University of Ladakh. The session was graced by the presence of the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. S.K. Mehta, alongside the Dean of Research, Dr. Subrat Sharma, distinguished faculty members, students from various disciplines, including Zoology, Mathematics, History, TTM, Commerce, etc., all of who are engaged in the multidisciplinary study of the French language and 1st batch of French Certificate students. Madam Christiane Mordelet, formerly a physics teacher, undertook extraordinary educational endeavors with nearly a thousand students during her 35-year tenure. Her ventures encompassed subjects ranging from the Big Bang in the Gobi Desert to the magnetic and geographic North Poles in Greenland. Furthermore, she assisted students in the creation and installation of a solar refrigerator in a village in former Zaire. In addition to her teaching pursuits, Mordelet refined her filmmaking expertise, presently producing documentaries focusing on global education and youth. Her acclaimed work, "Growing up in Ladakh," received recognition at the Objective Adventure festival in January 2019, in collaboration with Ladakhi documentary filmmaker Stanzin Gya. During the session, Madam Christiane Mordelet shared her experiences and deep connection with Ladakh, spanning over 45 years, as well as her journey in other parts of the world. She fondly spoke of her first student exchange program, which involved students from Lamdon Model School. Madam Christiane Mordelet, addressing the drastic transformations in Ladakh since her initial visit, expressed concern over the extensive multi-storey construction, highlighting its potential geological impact during an earthquake. She repeatedly emphasized the importance of preserving Ladakh's rich traditional knowledge (tangible and intangible), asserting that it is the cornerstone of its sustainability. Additionally, she noted India's remarkable progress, surpassing what Europe achieved in a century. She also shared numerous captivating stories. The Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. S.K Mehta addressed the audience, extending gratitude to Madam Christiane Mordelet for her presence and for sharing her inspiring narrative. Prof. S.K Mehta encouraged students from diverse fields of study to embrace the French language, enabling them to partake in exchange programs in France. Honorable sir also emphasized the abundant opportunities that arise from learning a foreign language. Students from various disciplines introduced themselves in French, showcasing their proficiency in the language. The session culminated with the distribution of the first-ever French Certificates to the 1st batches of French Certificate in the University of Ladakh. Dr. Phunstog Angmo, Dean of Colleges, extended a vote of thanks. The program concluded with an "aperitif" (refreshments) and a group photograph. The convener of this event was Ms. Tsewang Dolma, Assistant Professor of French at the Centre for Languages, University of Ladakh.