French India

Sandip Hor explains how part of India has French influence

and chaos, sea facing Ville Blanche retains much of its original French ethos.

Dotting the area is a collection of French leftovers. Notable among them are the statues of French Governor General Joseph François Dupleix and Joan of Arc, edifices such as Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and the former French Governor General’s residence, the French Consulate and Alliance Francaise office, the French War Memorial, and establishments such as Hotel De L’Orient Pondicherry and Le Dupleix.

FRENCH CHURCHES Many French-built churches exude a strong fragrance from the past. They include the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

BASTILLE DAY Celebrations on Bastille Day take place in Puducherry on 14 July every year. Around 5,000 French nationals who still live here rejoice and celebrate National Day as part of their heritage.

SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM A major attraction in Puducherry is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It was established in 1926 by Cambridge educated Aurobindo Ghose, a patriot turned yogi and his disciple Mirra Alfassa (known as ‘The Mother’). People visit from around the world to learn yoga, meditation and Indian philosophy.

AUROVILLE Not far from Puducherry town centre is Auroville – a unique township established by The Mother in 1968 where people from different parts of the world can live harmoniously. The town’s showpiece is the Matrimandir, a lofty golden metallic sphere where residents meditate.