Media Release
Bengaluru, Jun 20: Dr Mallika Krishnaswami, professor of French language and a former head of the department of languages at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) was honoured with the title of Chevalier (Knight) in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Order of Academic Palms).
This prestigious French order recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of French language and culture. By this, Dr Mallika Krishnaswami becomes the second person from Karnataka to win this prestigious global award.
The first recipient of this award from Karnataka was Dr Govindan Rangarajan, professor, department of mathematics, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) way back in 2006. After 19 years, Dr Mallika Krishnaswami has brought laurels to our State. The medal of Chevalier (Knight) was presented by the consul general of France Marc Lamy, at the office of consulate general of France, Bangalore during an official investiture ceremony on May 29.
With a career spanning over four decades, Dr Mallika Krishnaswami has been a trailblazer in the field of French language education. What began as a commitment to teaching the language gradually evolved into a visionary transformation of pedagogy and curriculum.
Long before experiential learning became a recognized educational trend, she pioneered its use through innovative drama techniques, enabling students to internalize the language through performance and expression. She actively encouraged student participation in drama competitions and was the driving force behind Joie de vivre, an intercollegiate French festival that continues to inspire enthusiasm for the language.
She played a key role in preparing students for the international DELF examinations, empowering them to earn globally recognized certifications. Her contribution was not limited to teaching; she also served as a member of the DELF jury, offering her expertise to evaluate candidates at a national level.
For many years, she has been mentoring the students in creating French newsletters that featured their own articles, reflections, and creative works—fostering both linguistic proficiency and confidence. Her legacy is one of innovation, passion, and a profound commitment to making French education dynamic, immersive, and enduring.
Her PhD thesis, titled representation of Moral crisis and social order across cultures: An analysis of three texts – Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Camus’s The Plague, and UR Ananthamurthy’s Samskara – explores how three distinct cultures grapple with ethical collapse and societal structures in times of crisis.
The Ordre des Palmes Académiques is one of the oldest civil honours bestowed by the French Republic, established in 1808 by Napoleon Bonaparte. It is awarded to both French citizens and foreign nationals who have rendered eminent service to French education and culture.
Her recognition serves as an inspiration to educators and advocates of the French language worldwide, highlighting the impact of dedicated scholarship and cultural promotion.
It is a proud moment for CHRIST (Deemed to be University) as Dr Mallika Krishnaswami becomes the 10th Indian recipient of the Chevalier (Knight) award since 1955 and also the second from Karnataka.
The following list are the previous Indian recipient of the awards:
1. Y K Sohoni (1975), professor at Poona University and CIEFL, Hyderabad.
2. Manohar Rai Sardesai (1988), Konkani poet and translator.
3. Neelima A Raddi (1992), professor, Fergusson College, Pune.
4. Govindan Rangarajan (2006), professor, department of mathematics, Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
5. Sampat Kumar Tandon (2009), geologist, former pro-vice chancellor of Delhi University, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar laureate.
6. Chinmoy Guha (2010), Bengali intellectual, author, translator and professor of Calcutta University.
7. Basabi Pal (2016), associate professor of French in West Bengal Education Service at Chandernagore College (Formerly College Dupleix), West Bengal.
8. Nalini J.Thampi (2022), professor of the department of French at Pondicherry Central University, Puducherry and English and Foreign Language University, Hyderabad.
9. Dr. Navis Sybil Abarna Roy Morais (2023), HoD and assistant professor in French dept at Loyola College, Chennai.