My Facebook friend and old student, Sanjay Pathania, sent a picture card and wished happy statehood day via social media.

PM Modi has greeted the people of Himachal Pradesh on the state's foundation day. He tweeted in Hindi, which in English could be somewhat like this: "I extend my best wishes to the people of Himachal Pradesh and wish them development and progress."

The state's CM, Jai Ram Thakur greeted the people and made government servants happy by giving them interim relief. He represents Seraj constituency near Mandi, and is described as a soft-spoken leader. He is the 14th chief minister of Himachal Pradesh.

It was on 18 December 1970 that the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by the Parliament and the new state came into being on 25 January 1971.

It may be recalled that it was on the 18th December in 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into being on 25 January 1971 making it the 18th state of India. With becoming a separate state YS Parmar became its first chief minister.

Himachal Pradesh is a state in north India with its border touching Tibet. It is noted for its Himalayan snow clad landscapes and is a popular tourist destination for trekkers and nature lovers.