Union Territory of Puducherry celebrates its 66 th Liberation Day today. The celebrations are on a low-key in the wake of COVID 19 pandemic. It was on November 1,1954 the union territory was liberated from French colonialism following a referendum  in which all elected members from Puducherry voted  against the French and  preferred to join India.<br />'' <br />'' Subsequently, the French affected the de-facto merger  on this day in 1954. Later the Indian  government affected the de-jure transferring the territory to its union  on August 16,1962. Since then, Puducherry has been celebrating Independence Day on August 16.<br />'' <br />'' Chief minister V Narayanasamy unfurled  the tri-colour in a government function on the beach road to mark the occasion and inspect a guard of honour presented by the Puducherry armed police force. A public holiday  is usually observed  on November 1 to mark the occasion.<br />'' <br />'' Greeting the people on the occasion today, chief minister Narayanasamy  exhorted the people to vow to safeguard the separate identity of this union territory with any sacrifice. He said students should be taught the history of Puducherry and the Liberation struggle. The chief minister said that to honour the freedom fighters here, their pension was enhanced to Rs.9000 per month and the funeral allowance for their family was enhanced from Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000. Lieutenant Governor Dr Kiran bedi extended wishes to the people of puducherry on this occasion.