Pondicherry University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with École Française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO), France, marking a significant step in strengthening Indo-French academic and research collaboration.
The agreement establishes a five-year framework aimed at advancing the study of South Asian and Indian civilizations through sustained institutional cooperation at Pondicherry University.
Prof. P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, emphasized the importance of expanding academic horizons beyond conventional learning environments.
He noted that students at Pondicherry University should not be confined within the four walls of classrooms and highlighted the need for greater exposure through field-based learning, international collaboration, and research engagement.
He further stated that such partnerships play a crucial role in strengthening institutional capacity and fostering global academic linkages at Pondicherry University.
Prof. Dominic Goodall, Head of the EFEO Pondicherry Centre, highlighted the significance of continued collaboration with Pondicherry University, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing research in areas such as history, archaeology, and cultural studies.
Speaking on the scope of the MoU, Coordinator Dr. Ruman Banerjee from the Department of History elaborated that the collaboration introduces a structured joint PhD guidance system.
Pondicherry University MoU Facilitates Faculty and Student Exchange, Access to International Scholarly Resources, and Opportunities for Joint Seminars, Workshops, and Field-Based Training
Dr. Shruti Bidwaikar, Managing Trustee of Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research (SACAR), highlighted ongoing academic initiatives associated with Pondicherry University, including internship programmes focused on the theme of transitioning from Indian Knowledge Systems to Integral Knowledge Systems.
The MoU signed by Pondicherry University establishes multiple avenues for collaboration, including joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programmes, internships, fieldwork opportunities, shared access to research facilities, and the organization of academic conferences and workshops.
These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance the academic ecosystem and global engagement of the university.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Prof. S. Victor Anandkumar, Dean (International Relations) at Pondicherry University, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. N. Chandramouli, Head of the Department of History and Dean, School of Social Sciences and International Studies.
The event was attended by faculty members, research scholars, and representatives from collaborating institutions.
This collaboration marks a pivotal step in strengthening international academic exchange and positions PU as an emerging global hub for heritage studies, Indian Knowledge Systems, and interdisciplinary research on South Asian civilizations.
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