In the 1800’s, the land Seethala stands on today was the horse wagon workshop and stables of the then French ruler of Pondicherry. Later, it became an auto repair shop owned by Monsieur Goubet, who was the then Governor’s brother. In 1943, Mr. Goubet was drafted into the French army in the Second World War. When Goubet returned in 1945, he was war-weary and decided to sell his business and retire to France. Four young entrepreneurs from Madras—who also held stakes in Rodier Mills (Anglo-French textiles now)—overheard a conversation in a café on Rue Dupliex and told an Indian businessman that Goubet was planning to sell his business.