WEB DESK
States of Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh today celebrated their formation day. Union Territories of Lakshwadeep, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar also have their Foundation Days today.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the people on the occasion. In his message, the President said, may these regions and the country scale newer heights in the years to come. In a series of tweets, Prime Minister wished the people of these states happiness, prosperity and all-round development.
On November 1, 1956, all Kannada speaking regions were merged to form Karnataka. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa unfurled the Kannada flag in Bengaluru today signalling the day-long celebrations. Cultural programmes, Concerts, speeches on history, Kannada literature, heritage and overall development, Kannada flag march are some of the events organised as part of the celebration in all parts of the state today.
On the occasion of formation day, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy unfurled the tri-color flag at the Gandhi Thidal on the beach road and inspected a guard of honour by the Puducherry armed police. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a photo exhibition on the history of Puducherry organized by the tourism department.
Speaker Sivakozhunthu, Cabinet Ministers and other dignitaries of the territorial administration among others participated in the function. It was on November 1, in 1954 that the French possessions in India were de facto transferred to the Indian Union and became a Union Territory.
In 1963, Puducherry became officially an integral part of India. Since then Puducherry observes a public holiday today on account of the Liberation day and celebrates Independence Day on August 16.