The French decided to hand over the control of four territories—Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe—to India during the historic referendum conducted at Kizhoor on October 18, 1954.
Kizhoor village
Kizhoor, a small city in the Mangalam constituency that staged a peaceful referendum that resulted in Puducherry’s independence from French administration and union with India, has yet to be recognized in Union Territory politics.
Though the French promised to release Puducherry following India’s independence in 1947, it wasn’t until the historic referendum held in Kizhoor on October 18, 1954, that the French chose to hand up control of four territories to India: Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe. Following the vote, French India’s possessions were de facto handed up to India on November 1.
The majority decision of the House of Representatives and Municipal Councils who attended the referendum resulted in the definitive transfer of authority of the four territories to the Indian government on August 16, 1962, after the French government confirmed the Treaty of Cession by its Parliament.
Given the significance of August 16 after independence, the Puducherry government chose to mark the day every year as De jure Transfer Day.
A modest hut presently survives at the location in Kizhoor where the representatives voted for the union with the Indian State. There is a locked area within the shed that has some historic images of famous people, including the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, taking part in the events leading up to Puducherry’s freedom. In addition to the shed, there is a flagpole and a plaque with the names of persons who voted in the referendum.
“The village comes to life twice a year on November 1 and August 16; otherwise, it is mostly forgotten and the museum is closed most of the time. UT governments have promised to make Kizhoor a monument, but all that has happened is the installation of an asbestos shed. “However, nothing is being done to publicize the site so that the younger generation of UT students understand its significance,” Kizhoor resident S. Ravichandran observed.
M. Ramadass, an economist turned politician, says the government’s focus on Kizhoor is insufficient in light of its old historical significance. “On this momentous occasion, the Chief Minister did not even lift his flag.”Because the Chief Minister does not visit the memorial, it is overlooked and the surrounding region appears abandoned. “It isn’t regarded as a historically important region by most people.,” he says.
The government should admit that Kizhoor is as important as Puducherry and work to make it a major destination. Given the historical significance of Kizhoor, a memorial comparable to Kamaraj Manimandapam should be built.
Mr. Ramadass, Director (in-charge) UGC-Human Resource Development Centre, Pondicherry University Panch, and Ramalingam agreed that the territorial government and the Union Government should collaborate to make the place a UNESCO historic site.
The Kizhoor monument must be made visible to people all over the world by renovating the edifice. On weekends, he believes, a music and light display should be provided to draw guests. “It has the potential to become a top tourist destination. “The tourism agency can effectively promote the region and can arrange buses to take guests from the town.,” said Mr. Ramalingam.
Mr. Ramadass went on to remark that by harnessing the benefits of all Central and State government programs, Sivaranthagam panchayat should be transformed into a model village. The Kundrakudi experiment (a village self-sufficiency plan) might be established and implemented in the community. As a consequence, people will be lured to Kizhoor. Freedom is obtained via the desire to improve the people. If such is the case, Kizhoor village, the birthplace of Puducherry’s freedom, should show evidence of growth,” he said.
