In the middle of the 19 th century , Pondicherry mission was an important place for the French M.E.P missionaries. The situation prevailing then in India was not pleasant. Women were considered as slaves and a  second class citizens. Education to the girls was viewed as a curse to the family as well as to the country.

At this juncture, a synod of priests was held in 1844 for which Fr. Louis Savinien Dupuis drafted the programme.  On the outset a Congregation of indigenous sisters was started with the responsibility of imparting education to women. This noble and tremendous task was entrusted in the hands of Rev. Fr. Louis Savinien Dupuis who willingly accepted to launch in the vast ocean.

As women education was not thought of in India, Fr. Dupuis had to face innumerable oppositions. Being a man of deep faith in the Divine Providence, a man of understanding and a man of vision, he faced those oppositions courageously and creatively. After strenuous effort   he started the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart Of Mary of Pondicherry on the 16 th of October 1844.