On Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, on the occasion of Escale à Sète 2026, the Association Lapérouse Albi France (ALAF) was honored to be invited aboard the Sudarshini, the majestic Indian Navy training vessel present at the event.
For the first time, India officially took part in the in order to share the richness of its maritime culture with the public, notably through the presence of the prestigious training ship INS Sudarshini, as well as a stand hosted by the crew and dedicated to the promotion of Indian maritime heritage.
Our president Jean-Marie Pestel and Natacha Abriat had the opportunity to discover this iconic vessel and to exchange with several members of the crew in a particularly warm and friendly atmosphere.
The INS Sudarshini, “सुदर्शिनी”, whose name means “beautiful woman” in Sanskrit, is a three-masted sailing ship built to promote traditional navigation and to represent India’s maritime heritage around the world. Its presence at attracted great interest from visitors.
This encounter particularly moved the members of the Association Lapérouse Albi France through its cultural and human openness. It echoes the very spirit of the great maritime expeditions led by Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse: the discovery of the world, dialogue between peoples, scientific curiosity, as well as the transmission of maritime knowledge and traditions.
Through this visit, we were able to discover another perspective on naval heritage and realize how maritime traditions form a universal language that connects cultures and generations.
The Association Lapérouse Albi France warmly thanks the crew of the INS Sudarshini for their hospitality and kindness, as well as the organizers of for this invitation and these enriching exchanges.
A memorable experience that will remain one of the highlights of our participation in Escale à Sète 2026.
If our participation in events of this kind inspires you and you would like to help promote the legacy of the famous explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, feel free to join the Association Lapérouse Albi France.
By joining Association Lapérouse Albi France (ALAF), you will become part of a team of enthusiasts dedicated to promoting maritime history, exploration, and the heritage linked to Lapérouse.
Your support helps keep alive the memory of this great navigator and to pass on to future generations the story of this remarkable man.
Join the association : https://www.laperouse-france.org/en/join-renew/
You can also connect with and chat with the community on the association’s Discord, a new space for discussion and sharing for enthusiasts of history and exploration.
Join the Discord : https://discord.gg/6sqHxpAM
Lapérouse, the adventure continues…