Lycee begins bicentenary celebrations in Puducherry

Governor K. Kailashnathan, Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, Etienne Rolland-Piegue, Consul General of France in Puducherry and Chennai, and delegates at the opening ceremony of the bicentennial celebrations of Lycee Francais International de Pondicherry on Thursday. | Photo credit: KUMAR SS

The Lycee Francais International de Pondicherry launched its bicentenary celebrations on Thursday.

Ambassador of France to India Thierry Mathou inaugurated the celebrations in the presence of Governor K. Kailashnathan, Minister of Home Affairs A. Namassivayam, Director General of the Agency for French Education Abroad Alexandre Morois and representatives of French diplomatic and educational networks in India.

The opening ceremony, held at the Lycee, 12 Victor Simonel Street, Heritage Town, was followed by a night of music. The ceremony also included a Bharatanatyam performance and a speech by Henri de Richemont, a descendant of the school’s founder.

The ambassador said in his statement that the institute is a testament to the long-standing friendship between France and India. Generations of people from both countries have come together through education and culture, the statement said.

“The Bicentennial is a joyous celebration of a remarkable legacy and the students, families and educators who have made it what it is today. It is also a moment when we can look forward with confidence and excitement to the generations to come,” he added.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by around 400 former students, most of them from France, and 1,000 invited guests. The celebrations will last until Saturday.

The Lycee of Puducherry, founded in 1826 as the College royal de Pondicherry, is one of the oldest French schools outside France still in operation. In 1826, the then French governor Eugene Desbassayns de Richemont signed the order to establish the college.

Over time, the school taught Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Bengali, developed legal and medical courses to prepare students for further studies in France. Today, the school remains part of Puducherry’s educational heritage.

Memorandum of understanding signed

Earlier in the day, the Ambassador attended the signing of an agreement to promote educational exchange between the Government of Puducherry and France. The aim of the memorandum of understanding was to strengthen cooperation in the teaching of the French language and to create opportunities for educational and cultural exchange. The agreement would pave the way for greater cooperation between France and Puducherry. Mr. Namassivayam was also present.

Published – 15 Oct 2026 23:54 IST