France's consul general in Kolkata visits Chandannagar, former French colony
What's the story
The Consul General of France in Kolkata, Virginie Corteval, paid a day-long visit to Chandannagar, a former French colony, as part of an effort to shape the people-to-people contact between France and Bengal.
In a statement, Corteval said she took great pride in announcing that "we're formalizing our relationship and institutionalizing our partnership, working as collaborators between the government, private sector, and civil society".
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Corteval also dropped in at some Jagaddhatri Puja pandals
During the day-long trip to the place on Saturday, the diplomat, who had visited Chandannagar, 35km from Kolkata, about 20 years ago, also dropped in at some Jagaddhatri Puja pandals and learned about their themes. Jagaddhatri Puja is a major festival of the heritage town.
'Bonjour India'
Corteval thanks CM for commitment to develop river-tourism along Hooghly
Corteval also thanked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her commitment to develop "river tourism along the river Hooghly".
The French diplomat referred to the 'Bonjour India' initiative of France and said the restoration and reuse of the Registry office building in Chandannagar has given impetus to a proposal to revitalize and redevelop the entire Strand area of the town.
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Corteval thanks state ministers for economic development of the town
In the statement, Corteval thanked Banerjee, state Tourism Minister Gautam Deb, Minister of State for information and Culture Indranil Sen for their endeavor to widen this initiative to not just restoring buildings but creating livelihood opportunities and economic development for the people of this town.
History
French acquired Chandannagar in 1673, lost to British in 1757
Coming to the history of the town- Chandannagar, formerly spelled as Chandernagore is situated on the banks of the Hooghly and became a French colony in 1673, when France wanted to set up a trading post.
The French lost the town to the British in 1757 and regained control of it in 1816. It remained a French territory in India till 1950.