UPSC CSE Mains 2023- A Focus On Kizhoor Village; Nucleus Of Puducherry Liberation From the French

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With UPSC CSE mains 2023 around the corner, aspirants can take note of this important news piece for the general studies (GS) paper, as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has the knack for picking news pieces that contain historical importance. This recent news piece on the Kizhoor village referendum of 1954 has the potential of being a question for UPSC CCSE mains, and so we present it for you in a manner that will help you grasp the concept easily. 

Kizhoor village is just another remote village situated in the present-day Mangalam constituency. Prior to its liberation, the people of Kizhoor village unanimously held a peaceful referendum, which ultimately led to the liberation of Puducherry from French control and merger with India. As of today, this village is still waiting to get its place of prominence in the history of India's independence struggle as a Union Territory. 

The Village Behind The Liberation Of Puducherry 

With India finally getting its independence in 1947, the French, who were the colonial masters of Puducherry, realized that it was time to leave the territory to the rightful owner- to the people of Puducherry. In the ensuing headache of how to leave the place amicably, a historic referendum was held at Kizhoor village on October 18, 1954. 

With the people of Kizhoor village unanimously voting to be with India in its peaceful referendum, the French had to finally respect the desire of the people and eventually decided to forfeit their rule over the four territories—Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe to independent India. Consequent to the peaceful referendum on November 1, 1954, the territories of French India were transferred to independent India de facto.

Kizhoor Village Referendum: The Final Transfer of Power To India

The House of Representatives and Municipal Councils of the four mentioned territories, which were present and voted in a huge majority during the referendum, led to the final transfer of power to the Indian government. On August 16, 1962, the French government ratified the Treaty of Cession by its Parliament. 

With this final transfer of power on August 16, a day after India's independence, it became a red-letter day in the history of Puducherry. To this very day, the government of Puducherry celebrates August 16 every year as De jure Transfer Day. 

The Village as it Stands Today  

As of today, a small shed stands as testimony at the place in Kizhoor village where the representatives voted for the merger with the Indian State. Within the premises of this shed is an enclosed room that continues to treasure some important photographs of prominent dignitaries, including Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India.

These important photographs vividly show the events preceding the liberation of Puducherry. Besides the shed stands a pole on which the national flag was unfurled patriotically by the people of Puducherry on August 16, along with a plaque carrying the names of people who participated in the referendum. 

“The place comes alive only twice a year, on August 16 and November 1. Otherwise, the place is forgotten, and even the museum is out of bounds for the public most days as it is open only two days a year. Successive governments have promised to make Kizhoor a landmark in UT, but other than building up an asbestos shed, nothing has happened at the place. Even so, nothing is done to promote the place so that the younger generation of UT understands its significance,” S. Ravichandran, a resident of Kizhoor, said. 

Way Forward Given Its Importance

Economist turned politician M. Ramadass said that the government has failed to give its due importance to Kizhoor village as a place and event of historic significance. “Even the flag is not hoisted by the Chief Minister on this momentous occasion.

Since the Chief Minister is not visiting the place, the memorial is not properly maintained, and the entire vicinity has a deserted look. People hardly recognise it as a place of monumental relevance,”’ he said.

The Director of UGC-Human Resource Development Centre, Pondicherry University, Panch, Ramalingam, also said the territorial administration and Union Government should jointly work together to declare the place a UNESCO heritage site.

Relevance of Kizhoor Village in the Near Future 

Once a proper monument of importance is constructed, it will become visible to the citizens of India and people around the world on the significant role played by the people of Kizhoor village in its liberation from the French. Moreover, creative innovation such as installing sound and light programmes could be made available on weekends to attract tourists.

“It can be an ideal place for village tourism. The tourism department can develop the place suitably and could arrange buses from the town to take tourists,” Mr Ramalingam said.

Additionally, the surroundings of Kizhoor village, in collaboration with the panchayats, must pitch to develop it into a model village. According to Mr. Ramadass, this is possible when the benefits of all Central and State government schemes are allotted on a priority basis.  He added that this will attract the attention of people towards Kizhoor village, as freedom is achieved with the aspiration to develop the people.

Indeed, the present government must, in earnest, look into this historically important place of Kizhoor and develop it into a place of prominence. A suitable monument must be constructed, considering Kizhoor’s importance in the history of Puducherry as a union territory of India. 

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