Lycee kicks off bicentenary celebrations in Puducherry
The Lycee Francais International de Pondicherry launched its bicentenary celebrations on Thursday, October 15, 2026, with a ceremony at its Heritage Town campus that underscored the school’s two centuries of cultural and educational ties between India and France. French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou inaugurated the festivities in the presence of Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, Director General of the Agency for French Education Abroad Alexandre Morois, and representatives of French diplomatic and educational networks in India, including Consul General Etienne Rolland-Piegue.
Ceremony highlights
The opening ceremony was held at the Lycee’s historic premises at 12 Victor Simonel Street in Heritage Town and was followed by a musical night. The programme featured a Bharatanatyam performance and an address by Henri de Richemont, a descendant of the institution’s founder, paying tribute to the school’s origins and evolution over two centuries.
In a statement, Ambassador Mathou said the institute “stands as a testimony to the long-standing friendship between France and India,” adding that it has brought together generations from both countries “through education and culture.” He continued: “The bicentenary is the joyful celebration of a remarkable heritage and of the students, families and educators who have made it what it is today. It is also a moment to look ahead with confidence and enthusiasm towards the generations to come.”
Strong turnout
The inaugural event drew a large gathering, with around 400 former students—most of them traveling from France—joining 1,000 invited guests. The celebrations are scheduled to continue through Saturday.
A 200-year legacy
Founded in 1826 as the College royal de Pondicherry, the Lycee in Puducherry is among the oldest French schools still operating outside France. The establishment order was signed that year by the then French Governor, Eugene Desbassayns de Richemont. Over time, the school broadened its curricular offerings to include Indian languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Bengali, and developed law and medical courses that prepared students for further study in France. Today, the Lycee remains a prominent fixture of Puducherry’s educational heritage.
MoU to deepen educational cooperation
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Mathou took part in the signing of an agreement between the Government of Puducherry and France to promote educational exchange. The memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen collaboration in French language education and to create new opportunities for educational and cultural exchange. Officials said the agreement is expected to pave the way for expanded cooperation between France and Puducherry. Home Minister A. Namassivayam was present at the signing.
Looking ahead
As the bicentenary events continue over the next two days, organisers and dignitaries framed the milestone as both a celebration of an enduring legacy and a commitment to future generations who will sustain and expand the Lycee’s role in Franco-Indian educational and cultural exchange.
