France Eager To Get More Involved In Pondicherry

A deputation led by François Vandeville, Co-operation Counselor, French Consulate, Delhi, recently met with the Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy. The 45 minute long meeting was described as a courtesy call by the Chief Minister’s Office.

Also part of the delegation were  Jeany Vesgillon, Director of French Institute, New Delhi. Together, they held discussions with the Chief Minister on the future prospective of various areas in Puducherry. Philippe Janvier Kamiyama, Consul General of France in Pondicherry, was also present.

According to Vandeville, France wanted to mainstream and boost its presence in Pondicherry not just for the sake of the past, but for the future and what it could hold as well.

“We believe that Puducherry can help us outreach our future not only in the field of education but in other areas also. The idea is to develop the French International Lycee Francais de Pondicherry here which has been offering several international programmes. The school is not only for students from France but has to serve Indian citizens all over the country,” he said.

The Chief Minister responded that the Puducherry government would be glad to respond to the plea and asked the delegation to furnish the administration with information of the type of aid they would need for the proposed expansion. Both sides, as it is apparent, are looking forward to a greater expansion of the white town in Puducherry.