Bilingual CD on history of Puducherry released

Puducherry, Apr 25: A bilingual French/English CD-ROM titled 'Pondicherry past and present' was released at the French Consulate here last night.

The two-part CD prepared by historian and associate member of the French institute of Pondicherry and French school of Asian studies Jean Deloche, contains an introduction to the history of Puducherry, an inventory of its monuments and town guide.

According to a release, the first part of the CD contains a record of Puducherry from its origin to the year 1824, recounting the expansion of this modest textile centre. It is illustrated by using watercolour plans and maps preserved in the French archives.

The second part comprises chronicles of Pondicherry from 1824 to the present day. It details the difficult stages of its rebirth and its gradual development into an Indian territory. This section is illustrated with drawings, lithographs, ancient postcards and photographs.

Puducherry Chief Secretary Pradeep Mehra released the CD in the presence of Consul General of France in Puducherry Joelle Rayat and Jean Deloche.

UNI