Puducherry: The Lycée Français International de Pondichéry (LFIP) has officially commenced its historic bicentenary celebrations, marking two centuries of education, heritage, and enduring cultural ties between France and India. Founded in 1826 as the Collège royal de Pondichéry by French Governor Eugène Desbassayns de Richemont, the institution stands as one of the oldest operating French schools outside of France.Ambassador of France to India Thierry Mathou formally inaugurated the celebrations in the presence of Director General of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) Alexandre Morois, Consul General of France in Pondicherry and Chennai Etienne Rolland-Piègue, lieutenant governor K Kailashnathan, and chief minister N Rangasamy on Thursday.Emphasising the school’s legacy, Mathou in his message noted, “For 200 years, the Lycée Français International de Pondichéry has brought generations together through education, culture and friendship between France and India. This bicentenary is the joyful celebration of a remarkable heritage…”The grand six-day celebration, from Oct 12 to 17, brings together students, staff, families, thousands of alumni, and international dignitaries under four core themes: Share, Celebrate, Live, and Reunite. Over 400 former pupils, many travelling from France, and more than 1,000 guests are taking part in the celebrations.The school today serves over 400 students from kindergarten to twelfth grade within the global AEFE network of 640 schools in 140 countries, continuing its vital role in Puducherry’s shared multicultural identity.Earlier, Puducherry govt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with France for strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing regional academic standards and cooperation in French language education and educational exchange. The partnership paves for preserving Puducherry’s unique historical and cultural ties with France.
