Pondy celebrates 46th I-Day

Puducherry, Aug 16 (UNI) The Union Territory of Puducherry today celebrated its 46th Independence Day.

On August 16, 1962, the 'De Jure' (legal merger of the Union Territory with the Indian Union) was effected after French Parliament ratified the 'Treaty of Cession.' Puducherry became independent by virtue of a referendum on October 18, 1954. But, the Treaty of Cession signed between the French and Indian Governments was ratified by French Parliament only on August 16, 1962.

Public holiday was declared in the Union Territory to mark the occasion.

As the referendum was signed in October, 1954, there had been a demand to celebrate November one as the Independence Day of Puducherry and August 16 as the Republic Day.

However, no decision was taken in this regard.

UNI PAB SJ MIR KN1146