AuroBharati, in collaboration with the Sri Aurobindo Society and the Center for European Studies and Center for Women’s Studies, Pondicherry University, hosted a "Symposium on India-France Relations: Evolution of Women’s Rights and Franchise in France and India" at the Sri Aurobindo Society on October 30, 2025. This academic initiative is designed to enhance students' understanding of the development of women's rights and franchise in both France and India through a blend of lectures and experiential learning.
Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary of AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, faculty, and students attending the symposium. He discussed the historical and contemporary significance of the relationship between India and France.
Sri Pradeep Narang, Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, articulated the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, who envisioned India as a spiritual leader on the global stage, destined to guide humanity towards higher consciousness and a divine existence. They perceived India not just as a political entity but as a living representation of a spiritual truth.
The Chief Guest, Professor K. Tharanikkarasu, former Vice-Chancellor (i/c) and Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at Pondicherry University, addressed various facets of the French Revolution and India's freedom struggle. He highlighted the contemporary significance of the India-France relationship by providing numerous examples drawn from historical and socio-cultural contexts.
Dr. Kamalaveni, Associate Professor and Head of the Centre for European Studies at Pondicherry University in Puducherry, provided a comprehensive overview of the program and objectives of the Centre for European Studies and Women’s Studies. She emphasized the intersection of colonial heritage, law, and gender in shaping democratic ideals within the Franco-Indian context.
On this occasion, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary of AuroBharati at the Sri Aurobindo Society, delivered a talk titled "Cultural Pathways to Citizenship: Women’s Law, Franchise, and Franco-Indian Heritage." Dr. Tripathy discussed the historical relationship between India and France, focusing on the legal and administrative frameworks established by the French. He also conducted a thorough analysis of the Indo-French relationship concerning Women’s Law, Franchise, and Franco-Indian Heritage. He asserted that through inner transformation, unity, and the rediscovery of her essence, India would usher in a new era of harmony, peace, and evolution, thereby fulfilling her role as the "Guru of the world."
As part of the event, a heritage walk was organized to promote experiential engagement, enabling students to link theoretical knowledge with tangible heritage sites and colonial landmarks. This initiative included the observation and documentation of Franco-Indian heritage sites pertinent to political and social history, as well as a Timeline Mapping Workshop and a Comparative Timeline Poster on Franchise Rights in France and India. Through the timeline mapping exercise, students improved their capacity to analyze historical data, connect events across cultures, and creatively present their findings.
The program offered a distinctive opportunity for Comparative Understanding, Cultural and Historical Awareness, Analytical and Research Skills, and Experiential Learning activities related to India-France Relations: the Evolution of Women’s Rights and Franchise in both France and India.
