Créer, c'est vivre deux fois.
[To create is to live twice]
                                        - ALBERT CAMUS

​

​

Dr. Preeti Bhutani

President, Prayatna Educational Society | Founder, FLE Educators Association | French Language Educator | Author | Researcher

 

Dr. Preeti Bhutani is a renowned French language educator, researcher, and author whose contributions have redefined French language education in India and beyond. With over two decades of experience, she has led transformative initiatives in teacher training, curriculum development, international collaborations, and student engagement.
 

Holding a Ph.D. in French Literature (Cosmopolitisme Colonial) from Delhi University, she also earned a Ph.D. in Social Work (NGO Management), an M.Phil in French and Francophone Studies, and a Gold Medal in M.A. French from the same institution. Her pedagogical expertise is further enhanced by specialized training in Didactics of French as a Foreign Language (FLE) from Université de Rennes 2 (France), Université Laval (Québec, Canada), and Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès (France).

​

Her commitment to enhancing French language education led her to establish the Prayatna Educational Society (PES) in 2003, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering educators and students with innovative language learning opportunities. Under PES, she founded the FLE Educators Association (FLEEA), a pioneering initiative that connects, trains, and supports French teachers across India. Through FLEEA, she has created a thriving professional network that champions fair employment practices, pedagogical excellence, and access to quality resources for French educators.

​

Between 2012 and 2019, Dr. Bhutani was a French lecturer at Delhi University, where she played a significant role in curriculum enhancement. She currently serves as the India Representative for Alliance Française de Rouen, France, strengthening Indo-French collaborations. She has worked closely with the Quebec Government Office, Mumbai, and Institut Français, facilitating international exchanges and learning opportunities for both educators and students.

 

Dr. Bhutani has organized and spearheaded some of India’s largest French competitions, notably French Word Power and Concours Romain Rolland, which collectively engage thousands of students annually in linguistic challenges and Francophone cultural awareness. These events have become cornerstones of French education in India, offering national recognition and competitive excellence to young learners. Furthermore, she has curated immersive educational trips to France, Canada, and Pondicherry, allowing students to experience real-world language applications and cultural immersion firsthand.

​

Her internationally recognized contributions earned her the 2023 Tyler Stovall WSFH Mission Prize Finalist, an award recognizing excellence in French and Francophone Studies. The selection committee specifically praised:

"the depth and breadth of her engagement with French language learners and teachers in India and beyond, as well as the community-building and profile-raising her organization has accomplished for French instructors in India."

​

As an acclaimed author, Dr. Bhutani has revolutionized French language learning in India with over 45 meticulously crafted French textbooks and workbooks that cater to students at different proficiency levels. Her widely used book series include:

• Mon Passeport

• Flambeau

• Tralala

• À la Folie

• Petits Pas

• Mire

These books have redefined French language instruction by integrating modern pedagogical techniques, interactive learning models, and innovative teaching approaches tailored for Indian learners. She has also contributed as a translator on significant projects, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Spirit Rising Production, California.

​

Beyond her authorship, Dr. Bhutani has trained over 1,800 French educators worldwide, ensuring that best teaching practices reach classrooms at every level. She has been instrumental in designing and conducting structured professional development programs, including:

• Journée FLE (City-wise training sessions for teachers)

• Stage de Formation (Intensive French teacher training in India, France, and Canada)

• Enseigner le FLE (A three-month structured professional development course for educators)

• L'Art d'Enseigner (Advanced teaching methodologies and classroom innovation training)

• FLEEA Pédagogie+ (A specialized program focused on modern pedagogical strategies and digital learning tools)
   

As a respected academic, she has presented her research at international conferences on topics including colonial cosmopolitanism, Francophone literature, and global language education. She has delivered keynote lectures at Sorbonne (Paris), The English and Foreign Languages University (Hyderabad), and Université de Hué (Vietnam).In addition, she led the "La Francophonie Nomade" initiative, a six-city academic and cultural tour in collaboration with the Quebec Government Office, Mumbai, showcasing Quebecois culture and fostering Francophone studies in India.

 

With an approachable demeanor and innovative teaching methodologies, Dr. Preeti Bhutani continues to shape the future of French education in India. Her work bridges academic excellence, professional development, and international collaboration, ensuring that French language education in India remains globally connected and pedagogically progressive.