Sun Nov 10 16:45:28 UTC 2024: ## Historic Calve College in Puducherry Reopens After Restoration

**Puducherry, November 10, 2024:** After a decade of being closed, the 149-year-old Calve College Government School in Puducherry is set to welcome students back. The Grade II B heritage structure, a legacy of the French colonial era, has undergone extensive restoration under the Puducherry Smart City Development Limited (PSCDL). The project, completed at a cost of ₹4.75 crore, saw the building restored using traditional techniques and materials, preserving its historical significance.

The school, built in 1875 by Calve Soupraya Chettiar, a renowned merchant, was initially opened for Hindu and Muslim children. It became a public school in 1877 and evolved to offer English education and cater to students from all castes. The college has a rich history, having educated prominent figures like V. Subbiah and M.O.H. Farook.

The restoration work was undertaken by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), which served as the architectural consultant. The team focused on repairing damaged parts of the building, including the Madras tile roofing, the terrace, and weak wooden rafters.

The school’s closure in 2014 followed an inspection that deemed the building unsafe due to damages caused by Cyclone Thane in 2011. The students were temporarily relocated to other government schools. The restoration work of another heritage school, V.O. Chidambaram Government Higher Secondary School, was completed last year.

Calve College continues to offer French education to a small group of 110 students, in addition to students following the State syllabus. With the restoration complete, the historic building is ready to resume its role as an educational hub in Puducherry.

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