Puducherry’s Lycée français international de Pondicherry (pronounced as ‘lee-SAY frahn-SHE international de Pondicherry’), one of the oldest French schools outside France still in operation, is celebrating its bicentenary today, marking two centuries of educational and cultural history in the Union Territory. Founded in 1826 as the Collège royal de Pondichéry by French Governor Eugène Desbassayns de Richemont (spelt as uh-ZHEN day-bah-SEHN duh reesh-MOHN), the institution has evolved through successive political and social changes, retaining its place in Puducherry’s educational heritage and its links with both French and Indian communities.
The week-long bicentenary celebrations feature exhibitions, cultural performances, historical presentations and alumni reunions. More than 400 former students, many travelling from France, are participating in the celebrations, while over 1,000 guests are expected to attend the official ceremony this evening. French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou (pronounced tye-REE Ma-too), Director General of the Agency for French Education Abroad Alexandre Morois (Alexandre Mo-Reez), Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy will also participate in the bicentenary celebrations. Established at a time when colonial society was marked by racial and caste divisions, the school was initially reserved for white boys. Access gradually expanded over the following decades. Its educational activities also evolved, with the introduction of Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Bengali, alongside specialised courses and opportunities for higher studies in France. Today, the Lycée français international de Pondichéry has more than 400 students, from kindergarten to the final year of secondary education. It is part of the Agency for French Education Abroad network, which comprises 640 schools in 140 countries, and has an international alumni network of nearly 7,000 former students. The bicentenary has also inspired 23 projects involving students and the school community, covering historical research, archival work, artistic expression and digital creations.
