Interview: with Pranjal Y. Kumar, French Kiss contest winner
How did you get the idea of joining the competition?
I was informed about the competition and “Rendez-vous” magazine by my counsellor at EduFrance, Mrs. Sudha Mary Toppo. I had never been to a club or a music event before this – so this was one opportunity I didn't want to miss.
How do you feel about France ? Have you ever been there? Why did you choose this country? I met Mrs. Sudha Mary Toppo, counsellor at EduFrance, at the European Higher Education Fair. She introduced me to the SCAN program at INSA, Lyon (an engineering program wherein the first two years are taught in English). That was my first encounter with France. Later, on an internet forum where we discuss American Universities, I met a French girl who was headed for the US. We discussed about INSA Lyon, which she rated highly. She soon went on to become a dear friend of mine – guiding me through Paris (her city), her culture and her life. | Pranjal Y. Kumar is a 19-year-old student in Computer Science who was selected as the recipient of the French Embassy Scholarship to go and study Computer Engineering in INSA, Lyon next year. Here he speaks about his first experience of going to a concert , after being declared as the winner of the on-line French Kiss competition. |
I haven't been to France but regular interactions with her have helped me form an image of the French culture. "Saying hello to strangers when you meet them in an elevator", "long dinners where the focus is conversation, not television" – these are the traits that Indian culture has lost to the so called Western influence, and I am very impressed that such a compassionate culture is the face of a 'modern' Western nation.
What do you think of the "French Kiss" initiative which was organised by the French Embassy? Did you like the artists who performed that day?
Music to me is a celebration - the expression of a mood, of emotions and an expression of culture. And good music is one that appeals to the ear - language of the lyrics is no criterion - although many a times lyrics can completely intensify a musical experience. “French Kiss” represents the same spirit - I don't understand French but I was there to enjoy the music and to connect! And in fact I enjoyed Emily's French compositions more than her English ones.
It was the first time ever that I had the opportunity to attend a music event, so I was already super-excited and then my celebrity-like treatment by the gracious Ms. Bénédicte Meyssan just made my evening.
I enjoyed Anaïs and I loved Emily. Unfortunately, I missed Mademoiselle K's performance because I had to leave in time to catch the last bus that plies to my city (NOIDA).
more pics here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29923&id=588395576&l=797aa0b788
