User-friendliness, cultural exchange, quality teaching, dynamism, multi-linguism and culture.
The Alliance Française de Pondichéry was created in 1897 and is among the first Alliances in the world after the one in Paris. The members of the governing board presided by Dr Nallam were elected in November 2005 for a period of three years. The new statutes were accepted by the Alliance Française de Paris in November 2006 and are registered under the local law.
Pondicherry is like no other Indian town or city. It is distinctively special in its local setting. There is, firstly, an 8000-strong French community of Indian origin. Second, the development of Auroville with its large number of French residents and the growing influence of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram where French is taught as the first language from the Nursery-school. Moreover, Pondicherry has an undeniable tourist interest which in addition to foreigners, attracts more and more Indians who come to this former colony looking for that unmistakable ‘French’ touch.
The Alliance Française de Pondichéry is part of a large network of 12 such institutions in India. The General Supervisory body of the Alliances Françaises in India, based in Delhi, coordinates these 12 bodies and chalks out their common strategies.
The Alliance Française de Pondichéry is an association formed under the local law. Its revenue comes from the admission fees for the language classes and workshops as well as from the membership fees.
The French Embassy and the General Supervisory body of the Alliances Françaises in India, the French Foreign Affairs Ministry and its operators contribute each year by sponsoring the cultural shows.
The Alliance Française de Pondichéry promotes not only the French language and culture but also intercultural exchanges between France and India. The Government of Pondicherry, the Department of Tourism and Navadarshan Film Society support the Alliance Française in these fields.