Puducherry Liberation Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour across the Union Territory today. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy hoisted the national flag and received the ceremonial salute from the police contingent at a function held on the Beach Road.

November 1 marks Puducherry’s liberation from nearly 300 years of French rule in 1954. The day is observed every year to honour the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who fought for the merger of Puducherry with the Indian Union.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Puducherry has achieved the distinction of becoming a maternal death-free state with a notable reduction in infant mortality rates. He said the number of beneficiaries under the old age and destitute pension scheme has risen to 1,91,616, and another 5,000 people will be included soon. Mr. Rangasamy also announced that a new memorial would be established at Karaikal to honour the sacrifices of Puducherry’s freedom fighters.

Police personnel and students presented an impressive march-past, followed by traditional cultural performances by folk art troupes. Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, senior police officers, and government officials attended the function. Similar celebrations were held in Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam regions of the Union Territory.