Himachal Pradesh 78th Foundation Day

• 16 Apr 2025

Source: BS 

Himachal Pradesh Day is celebrated annually on 15th April to mark the formation of the Chief Commissioner’s province of Himachal Pradesh on 15th April 1948. 

• Background: It became a Part C state on 26th January 1950 with the implementation of the Constitution of India, later a Union Territory on 1st November 1956, and expanded in 1966 with hill areas from Punjab.  
  • It attained full statehood on 25^th January 1971, becoming India’s 18th state under the State of Himachal Pradesh Act, 1970. 
• Etymology: The name “Himachal” is derived from Sanskrit, “Hima” (snow) and “Anchal” (lap) aptly describing its geography nestled in the Himalayas. 
• Borders: Himachal Pradesh shares its borders with the Indian union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand.  
  • Internationally, it shares a border with China.  
• Economy: Himachal Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product for 2024-25 is Rs. 2.27 trillion (USD 27.27 billion). Exports in FY25 (until August) totaled USD 223.20 million, with drug formulations and biologicals contributing 69.5% of the total. 
  • Cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in Himachal Pradesh from 2019 to 2023 totaled USD 246.74 million. 

Read more: Statehood Day of Himachal Pradesh