Chief Minister V Vaithilingam today honoured freedom fighters after unfurling the tricolour at the Mahatma Gandhi statue here, marking the official celebration of the 57th formation day of Puducherry.
This is the first time that an official celebration of the anniversary of Puducherry’s de facto merger with the Indian Union was held here.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vaithilingam referred to the referendum held on October 18,1954 at Kizhoor, a village here, which ascertained the verdict of a majority of the voters in favour of merger of Puducherry and its outlying regions of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam with the Indian Union.
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Consequently, a treaty was inked between the then French and Indian governments effecting the liberation of Puducherry de facto on November 1, 1954.
He recalled the “phenomenal” development Puducherry made since its liberation first through de facto merger in 1954 and through de jure transfer of power in August 1962.
Mr. Vaithilingam’s father, the late V Venkatasubba Reddiar was a freedom fighter and first Chief Minister of free Puducherry.
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PWD Minister M O H F Shahjahan, Welfare Minister M Kandasamy, legislators, officials and president of the `French India Viduthalai Kaala People`s Welfare Movement` D. Sivarajan and delegates of various freedom fighters organisations were among those present.