In Puducherry, series of functions are being organized today to mark the Foundation Day of the Union Territory. It was on this day in 1954, that a treaty was inked between the then French and Indian Government to give effect to the liberation of Puducherry. The signing of the treaty was preceded by a referendum in which majority of the voters favour merger of Puducherry and its outlying regions of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam to the Indian Union. Chief Minister Mr. N. Rangaswamy will unfurl the National tri-colour near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the beach road to mark the formation day of the Union territory. Karnataka is also celebrating its 56th State Formation Day today.It was on this day in 1956, the new State of Karnataka was born within the Indian union.On this occasion Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda will Present Rajyotsava Award to eminent persons in a function today evening. Magsaysay awardee Dr Harish Hande, Arjuna award winners Tejaswinibai and Ramesh Tikaram, and Dr Basavanenaiah are among the fifty dignitaries who have been named for the Kannada Rajyotsava awards 2011.The award carries one lakh rupees prize, gold medal weighing 20 grams and a citation. Madhya Pradesh is also celebrating its 56th foundation day today.The Madhya Pradesh foundation day is being celebrated with the theme ‘Save the girl child’ this year.The state-level foundation function will be held at Bhopal’s Lal Parade ground this evening. Playback singer Asha Bhosle and film actress Hema Malini will perform in the function.A dance presentation named Shubhra and laser show showcasing creative powers and capabilities of women will be other attractions. The first Korku Community Radio station of the state will go on air at Khalwa in Khandwa districtAndhra Pradesh is celebrating its 56th Formation Day today amidst tight security arrangements. The state Government is launching One Rupee Kilo Rice Scheme on the occasion.Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy will be formally launching the scheme which will be benefiting 2.26 crore families that are Below Poverty Line in the state.The State Government is presently providing rice to Below Poverty Line families at 2 rupees a kilo with an annual subsidy of 2000 crore rupees and reducing the cost of rice to one rupee will put an additional burden of 600 crore rupees on the state exchequer.On the occasion of Formation Day, the Chief Minister will be hoisting the national flag at a ceremonial programme in Hyderabad while District Collectors will be doing so at the district head quarters. Governor E S L Narasimhan and Chief Minister Kiran kumar Reddy and other leaders greeted people on the occasion and several programmes are being organized across the state to mark the day.