<span style="color: #222222;">The Golden Jubilee celebrations of statehood of Himachal Pradesh was organised with great enthusiasm and fervor across the state today. The state-level Golden Jubilee function was held at the historic Ridge of Shimla while functions were also organised at all district headquarters to mark this special occasion. BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur also graced the occasion. <br />''<br />''While congratulating the people of the state on the Golden Jubilee celebrations, Governor Bandaru Dattatreya said that this small hill state has made unprecedented development in its 50 years' journey. Dedicated leadership, strong will power and hard work of the people of the state has established many dimensions of development. By giving priority to education, health, roads, electricity, water, social security and tribal welfare, the state has achieved socio-economic goals and emerged as the ideal of the country. Shri Dattatraya said that from the first Paramvir Chakra winner Major Somnath Sharma to Captain Vikram Batra, the bravery and valour of our soldiers has brought laurels to the nation. He said that the rich culture, high traditions and values of life are still alive in this state. He congratulated the State Government for successful implementation of various schemes to facilitate the people. He called upon the people to work with more dedication for the progress and prosperity of the state and make constructive contributions towards building a clean and strong society and self-sufficient Himachal.<br />''<br />''BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda said, the developmental journey of Himachal Pradesh was quite difficult and arduous, but the successive leaderships and hardworking people of the state converted these challenges into opportunities. He said that the state over these years had made rapid strides in various spheres of the development. He said, the contribution of the first Chief Minister Dr Y.S. Parmar was immense and similar were the contributions of former Chief Ministers Virbhadra Singh, Shanta Kumar, Thakur Ram Lal and Prem Kumar Dhumal who ensured that the state forges ahead on the path of progress and prosperity. He said, the special category state status had again been given to the state by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the work of Atal Tunnel was completed due to his special interest and assistance.<br />''<br />''While congratulating people of the state on this historic day, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur lauded the efforts of the former Chief Ministers who despite geographical and other constraints steered this hilly state that today it had emerged as front runners in India, not in one but in many indices laid down by the Government of India and other world agencies.  He said that the state government would be celebrating the Golden Jubilee year of the Statehood in a befitting manner by organising 51 programmes throughout the year. This would also ensure participation of people in the fifty years of developmental journey of the state.<br />''<br />''MoS for Finance Anurag Thakur also greeted the people on the occasion of Golden Jubilee of Statehood. He recalled the contribution of all former CMs for the development of the state. Anurag Thakur urged CM Jairam Thakur to deliberate for two days during the next Assembly Session for preparing a road map for the next 25 years for taking the hill state to new heights. A postage stamp on Golden Jubilee was also released on the occasion.</span>