Is Pondicherry, Celebrating Independence Day twice ?

 Is Pondicherry,  Celebrating   Independence Day twice ?

Come on Lets Check!

We all know India celebrates 15th August as Independence day Every year, Pondicherry Celebrated it too.. Then what is it celebrating on 16th of August every year?

Pondicherry is celebrating De Jure Transfer Day  on 16th August every year since 1962.

what is De Jure Transfer Day? 

After achieving independence, the Indian government initiated diplomatic efforts to integrate French-Indian territories. This movement was supported on the ground by the National Youth Congress's Satyagraha campaign, where activists faced severe police retaliation and lathi charges from the French-Indian police.

The defining moment of the movement occurred during the Kizhoor Congress on 18 October 1954. Under the leadership of Assembly President Monsieur Balasubramanian, elected representatives voted via secret ballot on the joint settlement proposals. A decisive majority of 170 to 8 favored the merger.

Consequently, on 1 November 1954, France transferred administration of Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe to India. The transition was marked by M.R.K. Nehru hoisting the Indian flag and the formal exchange of signatures between Kewal Singh and Pierre Landy. This day is celebrated as Liberation day.

However The democratic process  went on for few years and concluded on 16 August 1962, when the French Government officially ratified the De Jure transfer.

So Pondicherry is celebrating the transfer of power as De Jure transfer Day on 16th of August every year.