The first-ever India Independence Day celebrations of the newly-opened Indian Consulate in Seattle saw American businessman and Microsoft founder Bill Gates describing India as a global leader with groundbreaking innovations.
Bill Gates, who serves as chairman of the Gates Foundation, honoured as the Guest of Honor at the first India Day celebrations in the Greater Seattle area, marking India's 78th Independence Day, according to a media release.
Addressing the nearly 2,000-plus members of the Indian American community, he referred to India “as a global leader with breakthrough innovations in areas like technology, agriculture, and healthcare.”
Gates further said, “From manufacturing safe low-cost vaccines to the remarkable leadership shown by the Indian diaspora to India’s Digital Public Infrastructure – India’s ingenuity is helping not just Indians, but the whole world. Countries across the Global South are leveraging India’s experience to build their DPI systems.”
Other participants at the India Day celebrations included Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, Lt. General Xavier Brunson, Commander of the America’s First Corps in Pacific NorthWest, Rear Admiral Mark Sucato, Commander of the Navy Region of North West, Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and Chief Justice from Washington Supreme Court Steve Gonzalez.
For the first time in the Greater Seattle area, the event showcased all states and regions of India through floats and cultural performances celebrating the theme of Unity in Diversity.
Distinguished leaders of the Indian American community assembled each of the floats, which showcased important aspects of India's diverse cultural heritage.
To commemorate the occasion, the governments and city councils of King County, Bellevue City (Washington), Portland (Oregon), Hillsboro (Oregon), and Tigard (Oregon) issued official proclamations in honour of India Day celebrations. Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming also conveyed a separate congratulatory message on India's 78th Independence Day.
Additionally, several prominent buildings in Seattle and Bellevue are illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag to mark the India Day celebrations, as stated in the media release.
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