The Union Territory of Puducherry, which finds its identity in history as Vedapuri (Place for higher learning) is renowned as a center of spiritual emancipation and educational excellence since the days of sage Agasthia, who chose this consecrated place for his Ashram of higher learning and pursuit. Presently, its pristine glory is acclaimed globally through the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Puducherry has the unique honor of having nurtured the 19th century Tamil poets Sri Subramania Bharathi and Sri Bharadhidasan.