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Government to open NRI cell in Industries Department

Special Correspondent

To enable NRIs to participate in industrial development of Puducherry

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

HONOUR: Industries Minister V. Vaithilingam presenting an award to a French professor after inaugurating the four-day fourth international congress of Association of Indian Teachers of French in Puducherry on Tuesday.

Puducherry: Industries and Power Minister V. Vaithilingam said that the administration was planning to open a separate cell to attract Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to participate in industrial and economic development of Puducherry.

Inaugurating a four-day fourth international congress of the Association of Indian Teachers of French (AITF) here on Tuesday, Mr. Vaithilingam said that there was already good trade and industrial relations between India and France and with Puducherry having vibrant French connection, the scope to attract NRI investment in industrial and economic development of the Union Territory should not be left untapped.

Hence, the Department of Industries here had planned to open a cell for the NRIs. They could register themselves with the cell and respond to the requirements.

Exchange of experts

There could be also exchange of experts and academic arrangements particularly in promoting the learning of French and for the development of Francophone facilities.

With France having made its mark in software technology, there could be a sustained coordination between Puducherry and France, he pointed out. He said that he had, during his tenure as Chief Minister, made an attempt with the Centre for establishment of the cell in Puducherry. Mr. Vaithilingam presented awards instituted by the AITF to the French professors and academic experts Fernand Harvey (from Canada), Francois Xaiver Neve de Mevergnies of Belgium and Vinesh Y. Hookmsingh of Mauritius.

A couple of Professors, who were not present at the meet, were handed over the awards in absentia.

President of the AITF K. Madanagopalane presented a report on the activities of the association. Its secretary R. Venkataramane, who welcomed, said that the meet would deal with the theme of "The French Studies and Francophone Facilities in the Multi-Lingual Global Scenario".

President of the International Federation of French Professors, Dario Pagel, French Consul General in Puducherry Ms. Joelle Rayet, Vice-Chancellor (in charge) of Pondicherry University S. Kuppuswami, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bordeaux (France) Singaravelou were among those who spoke.

The Attache for Educational Cooperation in French Embassy, New Delhi, Pierre Koest, former Vice-Chancellor of Madras University S.P. Thaygarajan and former Vice-Chancellor of Tamil University Thanjavur E. Sundaramoorthy released publications brought out by the AITF on the occasion.

Around 230 delegates including foreign representatives participated in the deliberations. Ms. Varalakshmi Anandakumar, member of the AITF, proposed a vote of thanks.

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