In a significant step towards enriching academic learning through cultural immersion, the Department of French at Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, organised a one-day educational visit to Kanchi Mamunivar Government Institute for Post Graduate Studies and Research, Puducherry, on 25th July 2025.
The visit was led by Sreeba Senthilkumar and Roshini, faculty members of the French department, and included 25 students pursuing French studies.
The workshop held at the institute aimed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and literary heritage of French India, particularly within the unique context of Pondicherry.
The day-long workshop featured three key sessions:
- History of the Merger Movement in French India: This session provided insights into the socio-political background and the historical process that led to the merger of French settlements with the Indian Union.
- French Culture and Literature in Pondicherry: Highlighting the vibrant legacy of Francophone influence in Pondicherry, this session explored local contributions to French literature and the continued relevance of French culture in the region.
- Quiz Competition on French Culture in Pondicherry: A lively quiz encouraged student interaction and tested their knowledge of the unique Indo-French cultural blend that characterises Pondicherry.
As part of the academic extension of the visit, the students also engaged in a knowledge exchange session at the Central University of Puducherry.
Discussions were held with postgraduate students of French studies, focusing on comparative insights into French education in different institutions, current trends and opportunities in the field of French language and literature, and collaborative growth in research and postgraduate opportunities.
Sreeba Senthilkumar and Roshini emphasised the importance of such visits, stating, “Experiential learning outside the classroom plays a vital role in language acquisition and cultural appreciation. We aimed to deepen our students’ understanding of French India’s rich legacy and inspire them to explore further academic pursuits in the field.”
Principal Ponnusamy and the esteemed Management encouraged and appreciated this tour and its academic enrichment, they said.
