Meghalaya is celebrating its 50th Statehood day today in a grand manner at JN Stadium, Shillong. The hill state of Meghalaya was carved out of Assam as an autonomous State in April 1970 and was declared a full-fledged state on 21st January 1972 under the North Eastern (Re-organisation) Act.<br />''<br />''In a message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the people of Meghalaya on 50th Statehood Day of Meghalaya. He paid tribute to everyone who has contributed to the establishment and development of the state. Speaking on the occasion, he recalled his visit to Shillong to attend the North Eastern Council Meet after becoming Prime Minister. It was the first visit to the state by any Prime Minister after a gap of three to four decades. He complimented the people of the state for further strengthening their identity as people close to nature saying that Meghalaya has given the message of nature, progress, conservation, and eco-sustainability to the world.<br />'' <br />''Highlighting the growing fame of the state in the field of organic farming, Mr. Modi said, sisters of Meghalaya have revived the art of bamboo weaving and its hard-working farmers are strengthening Meghalaya's identity as an organic state.  The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to better roads, rail, and air connectivity. He said that measures have been taken to ensure new domestic and global markets for the organic products of the state.  The Prime Minister said, Meghalaya is among the first states to use drones for vaccine delivery. <br />''<br />''Governor of Meghalaya Satyapal Malik in a message congratulated the citizens of the State.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in his message paid tribute to the unsung heroes who has made the State as it is today. He informed that the Meghalaya Government will be launching 300 projects all throughout the year as a commemoration of the 50th Statehood day celebration. He added that the vision of the Government is to make Meghalaya among the top ten states in the country and to make it happen he urged the citizens to work hand in hand with each and everyone.<br />''<br />''During the celebration, a documentary on "Statehood Movement" was also aired. A docu-drama enthralled the audience depicting the statehood movement. Documentation on 50 years of Meghalaya was also launched. A commemorative stamp was also released today. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong also laid the foundation stone of the new Administrative Township.<br />''<br />''Meghalaya Day Awards, Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards, and Governor's Police Medal Awards we're also distributed on the day.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Renowned musical group Shillong Chamber Choir performed on the occasion of 50th Statehood day with a number of their best songs.</span>