Puducherry French School Marks 200 Years with Grand Start

Celebrations Begin

The Lycee Francais International de Pondicherry started its bicentenary celebrations on Thursday at its campus on Victor Simonel Street in Heritage Town. French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou opened the event. Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, and Agency for French Education Abroad Director General Alexandre Morois attended the opening ceremony alongside other officials.

Events and History

The opening day included a musical night, a Bharatanatyam dance performance, and a speech by Henri de Richemont, a descendant of the school founder. Around 400 former students and 1,000 invited guests joined the opening ceremony. The celebrations will run until Saturday. French Governor Eugene Desbassayns de Richemont signed the order to set up the school as the College royal de Pondicherry in 1826. It is now one of the oldest French schools operating outside France.

Agreements Signed

Before the ceremony, the French Ambassador signed an MoU with the Government of Puducherry to boost educational exchanges. This agreement aims to improve French language teaching and build stronger ties in education and culture. Mr. Namassivayam also took part in this signing.

Context

Puducherry shares a deep historical connection with France due to its colonial past under French rule until 1954. Institutions like the Lycee preserve this unique cultural and educational link between the two nations today.