Ambassador of Switzerland in Pakistan, Mr Georg Steiner on Thursday shared with the students of the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) some important life lessons which he said could prepare the students for professional life as well as shape their personalities and define their successful career.
He was addressing as Chief Guest the Francophonie Festival 2025 organized by the Department of French language at the Iqbal Auditorium NUML.
Dean, Faculty of Languages, Prof Dr Jamil Asghar Jami and Head of French Department NUML, Prof Aamir Zaheer Bhatti also spoke on the occasion and highlighted significance of Francophonie Festival and learning of the French language.
Director of the Alliance Francaise, Mr Ali Bhatti, Head of Turkish Department NUML, Prof Noor Yasmein, Course adviser at Alliance Francaise, Domitille Robert, faculty of French Department were also present on the occasion to celebrate the Francophonie Festival.
The Swiss ambassador also congratulated the students on their success in DELF exams and gave away certificates to them.
I want to emphasize three aspects of life that could be of some value before starting your professional journey, said the ambassador.
First, never shy of making mistakes because “Mistakes that make one humble are better than the achievements that make one arrogant,” said the ambassador.
Secondly, one should be hard on oneself and soft on others.
Thirdly and perhaps an equally important life lesson is to make your bed daily in the morning, because how hard and tough a day could be you will have a comfortable and cozy bed to lie and relax at the end of that day, the ambassador said.
He also recalled is to the NUML to attend the Spring Festival.
It was a great experience to come across diverse cultures, colours, food and values.
For a diplomat Pakistanis a fascinating place to live, he concluded.
Prof Jamil Jami spoke about the significance of learning French language.
According to statistics, 32.1 million people speak French worldwide and the more people learn, the better.
As a matter of fact, any language we speak contributes to break the linguistic imperialism of English, he said.
HoD, Prof Aamir Bhatti highlighted the significance of the celebration of the Francophonie Festival that “reminds us of the power of language, that is, not only as a tool of communication but as a bridge between cultures, histories, and peoples.
” At NUML, the Department of French remains deeply committed to the promotion of this spirit of connection, mutual respect, and global engagement, he said.
Students of the French Department gave wonderful performance of French songs and drama and won accolades from the audience.
