Kolkata, 02-09-2024 – Alliance Française du Bengale (AFdB) is proud to announce the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Techno India University (TIU), West Bengal, solidifying a partnership that has flourished for over a decade. With the vision of strengthening the Indo-French bilateral linguistic and cultural cooperation within the Great Eastern Region of India, this collaboration marks the launch of the Salt Lake Annex of Alliance Française du Bengale, located on the Techno Main Salt Lake (TMSL) campus.

The signing ceremony will be held on August 29, 2023 (Thursday) at 2:00 pm at the premises of AllianceFrancaise du Bengale (57A Park Street, Park Mansions, Gate 3, Flat-15, Kolkata- 700016) in the gracious presence of Mr. Nicolas Facino, Director-Alliance Francaise du Bengale and Mr. Meghdut Roychowdhury,Executive Director & Chief Innovation Officer- Techno India University, West Bengal.

The MoU aims to establish the “Franco-Indian Centre of Excellence for Language and Culture,” a unique initiative designed to promote the French language and culture while facilitating academic collaborations between France and India. The partnership will see the creation of annexes dedicated to offering French language courses at three key locations: Techno India University, Techno Main Salt Lake, and various schools within the TIU group.

The Salt Lake Annex will offer French courses for children and adults every Saturday and Sunday. These courses will be open to both students of TIU/TMSL and the general public, with special discounts available for TIU/TMSL students.

Mr. Nicolas Facino, Director of Alliance Française du Bengale, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Techno India University, an institution as dynamic and internationalized as Techno India, marks a significant step forward in our mission to promote the French language and culture in Eastern India. The Salt Lake Annex will serve as a vibrant hub for academic excellence and cultural exchange, bringing the best of France to the heart of Kolkata.”

Mr. Meghdut Roychowdhury, Executive Director & Chief Innovation Officer- Techno India University, West Bengal added, “This collaboration represents a powerful step towards nurturing a global perspective within our educational ecosystem. By bringing the rich heritage of the French language and culture closer to our students and the community, we are not just broadening their linguistic skills but also their worldview, fostering a true spirit of international cooperation. Having studied at HEC Paris and being personally connected to France through my wife, Pauline, this partnership holds special significance for me as it brings a cherished part of our lives into the heart of our academic community.”

The launch of the Salt Lake Annex reflects the enduring partnership between Alliance Française du Bengale and Techno India University, West Bengal, deepening the cultural and educational connections that unite France and India.