The event was inaugurated by Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman of the Society, along with Shri K. Lakshminarayanan, Minister for Tourism, Dr Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, and Dr. Renaud Colson, Director, French Institute of Pondicherry, Puducherry on February 20, 2025, at the Sri Aurobindo Society.

As part of the AuroBharati initiative under the Internal Cultural Relations project, the Sri Aurobindo Society in Puducherry organized this international conference focusing on the enduring ties between India and France.

During the event, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary of AuroBharati, emphasized that the conference highlights the deep-rooted connections shared by the two countries. Both India and France possess rich cultural heritages that include diverse aspects such as art, architecture, heritage, language, and literature. The cultural similarities between the two nations are essential for enhancing both bilateral and strategic collaborations. Dr. Tripathy emphasized the perspectives of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother regarding the socio-cultural connections between India and France, quoting the Mother: “It is France that can connect Europe with India. There are great spiritual possibilities for France.”

The Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Society, Shri Pradeep Narang, remarked that Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, who are significant figures in spirituality and philosophy, provided deep insights into the relationship between India and France, especially in terms of their spiritual and cultural contributions. Sri Aurobindo’s works frequently emphasized the unique cultural and spiritual legacy of France, recognizing it as a prominent European nation, especially in the realms of philosophy, art, and spirituality. He highlighted that these relationships encompass various elements, including political alliances, trade agreements, and cultural exchanges.

During this event, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, along with Smt. Charu Tripathy, Associate Director of AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, convenor of the conference presented the report titled “India-France Relations in the area of History, Tradition, and Contemporary Relevance: Insights from Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.”

Shri K. Lakshminarayanan, the Chief Guest and Minister of Tourism for the Government of Puducherry, highlighted the enduring relationship between India and France, noting the cultural continuity that exists between the two nations. He pointed out that the Strategic Partnership has been significantly developed by the efforts of both governments, evolving from historical interactions into a robust strategic alliance. The contributions of Post-Independent India and Modern France have been crucial, influenced by both global and domestic factors.

Vice Chancellor of Pondicherry University, Prof. Dr. K. Tharanikkarasu, emphasized in his message that the bond between India and France showcases the lasting connections shared by these two nations. The cultural parallels between India and France are vital in strengthening both bilateral and strategic partnerships. He further said that influential figures like Sri Aurobindo and the Mother have offered profound insights into the ties between India and France, particularly regarding their spiritual and cultural legacies.

Mr. Etienne ROLLAND-PIEGUE, Consul General of the Consulat Général de France in Pondicherry, highlighted the historical relationship between France and Pondicherry in his message. He commended the Sri Aurobindo Society for organizing the conference and noted that understanding the complex dynamics between India and France—past, present, and future—is essential for nurturing a productive relationship between the two nations.

Dr. Renaud Colson, the Director of the French Institute of Pondicherry in Puducherry, emphasized the historical connections between India and France, focusing on the enduring cultural ties, especially in relation to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. He discussed the blending of Franco-Tamil heritage, which constitutes a distinctive aspect of Puducherry’s identity. Furthermore, Dr. Renaud highlighted the significant role of French Indologists in the interpretation of Sanskrit and Tamil texts, which serves to reinforce the enduring relationship between India and France.

Scholars and experts from Bordeaux University in France, Pondicherry University, the University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Alliance Française de Pondichéry, Kanchi Mamunivar Government Institute for Postgraduate Studies & Research in Puducherry, India, and Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Arts College, among others, including Shri Nallam V, Prof. Singaravelou, Prof. A. Subramanyam Raju, Professor Dr. G. Chandhrika, Mrs. Wanilza Marques Fortuna, Mr. Marcelo Fortuna Figueira Marques, Dr. Sathish Nallam, Dr. Nanda Kishor M, Dr. Kamalaveni, Dr. M.E. Krishnakumar, Dr. Sundar Murugan, Dr. A. Perumal, and Dr. S.A. Vengada Soupraya Nayagar, presented innovative research findings at the conference. The conference was attended by participants from various national and international organizations of the world.

The academic sessions were organized around themes such as ‘Indo-French Relationships and Their Relevance in Contemporary Society,’ ‘Indo-French Connections in Unity in Diversity,’ ‘Maritime Relations,’ ‘Medicine and Ecological Perspectives,’ and ‘Education, Culture, and Strategic Partnerships between India and France.’

During the closing ceremony of the conference, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy and Charu Tripathy, the convenors, announced that substantial research initiatives will be undertaken. These projects will concentrate on the diversity of expressions and the cultural unity inherent in India-France relations. Additionally, a digital repository aimed at academic resources and a cultural exchange program will be established to ensure a thorough and impactful outcome for the future.

On this occasion, “Gajavadana & Har Har Gange: A Cultural Dialogue” was performed by MS. Svaha. Through dance, the spiritual and cultural ties between India and France were explored. Gajavadana, a Ganpati Stuti, invokes wisdom and new beginnings, echoing the Renaissance spirit of intellectual rebirth. Har Har Gange honors the sacred river  Ma Ganga, much like the river Seine, both central to cultural and spiritual life. These performances celebrated our shared quest for divinity, renewal, and artistic expression, bridging traditions across time and borders.