Mumbai, May 1 (IANS) Maharashtra Sunday celebrated the 51st anniversary of the state's formation with a variety of programmes and events. The main function was held at the Shivaji Park where Governor K. Sankaranarayanan unfurled the tricolour.

The governor also inspected a guard of honour and presided over the official celebrations. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, his cabinet colleagues, legislators and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The governor in his speech said that the first chief minister of the state, Y.B. Chavan envisioned a peaceful, stable and progressive state.

"It is reassuring to see his dream coming a reality," the governor noted.

Sankaranarayanan highlighted the state's achievements in different spheres of life, including investments, education, women's empowerment, a people-friendly administration and sports.

He also stressed the government's efforts to make Maharashtra self-sufficient in electricity by December 2012.

He further highlighted the efforts to conserve the state's natural wealth and biodiversity through the innovative "Eco-balance Village Development Campaign" that aims to promote sustainable development in 13,000 villages.

The state government has also initiated a process for computerisation of 27,920 village panchayats to ensure transparency and dynamism in rural administration in the remotest parts of the state.