About Department

Department of French:

The teaching of French was introduced in Baroda College in the year 1897 by Shri Aurobindo Ghose under the aegis and encouragement of the then Maharaja of Baroda, Sir, Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Besides Bombay, Baroda College in Vadodara was the only centre to teach French in the entire Western part of India.

Today the legacy left behind by these two visionaries has grown and the Department attracts multitudes of students in its different courses. The focus is not just on teaching French language but also on its different aspects like French Linguistics & Didactics, Literature, History & Culture. A holistic approach is taken to impart French in the classroom; emphasis is put not just on the learning process but on effective communication in the French language and for this to be a success various activities are organised – cultural activities, classroom interaction and presentations as well as interaction with French visitors in the University, all in keeping with the Maharishi’s belief that “The first principle of true teaching is that nothing can be taught.”

While trying to attain and accomplish academic excellence, we at the Department of French have always endeavoured to create and maintain a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere at all times.