Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said he is the “product of the bond" that exists between India and the US, as top government officials and American lawmakers lauded the Indian community's contribution during the Republic Day commemoration here.
The Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted a special reception on Sunday at the Bell Harbour Conference Centre to commemorate India’s 76th Republic Day. Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Nadella were the Guests of Honour at the reception, attended by over 500 people from the Indian-American community, according to a press release issued by the Consulate. In a unique first, several members of the US Congress also joined the evening celebrations.
Nadella, addressing the gathering, acknowledged that he “was a product of the bond that exists between the two countries (India and the US).” He praised the leadership of both nations for their “focus on how to use technology to leverage educational outcomes, health outcomes, public service efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity of small businesses,” the press release said.
Addressing members of the Indian-American community at the Republic Day reception, Ferguson, the newly elected 24th Governor of Washington State, acknowledged “the incredible contribution that Indian society makes not just for India but for the entire world.”
He added that, as the new Governor of Washington State, he looked forward to building on the relationship with the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
In special recognition to mark the occasion, the Washington State Senate in Olympia passed a State Senate Resolution, moved by State Senator Manka Dhingra and supported by Senator Vandana Slatter, welcoming the 76th Republic Day of India and the strong friendship between the people of India and the US.
The Republic Day reception, hosted by the Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, was also attended by a distinguished line-up of top government officials, lawmakers, as well as mayors of ten cities.
Several members of the US Congress who joined the evening celebrations included Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Michael Baumgartner, and Rep. Kim Schrier, who welcomed India’s achievements as the world’s largest democracy. Other distinguished participants included Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and several Washington State Senators and Representatives.
The Republic Day reception in Seattle showcased several unique exhibits highlighting the cultural diversity of India, including 'One District, One Product' (ODOP), featuring one unique cultural heritage product from each state and union territory of India.
On the occasion, a photo exhibit ‘India through Tim’s Eyes’ was also organised, displaying some of India’s most iconic tourism sites photographed by ace photographer Tim Durkan during a visit to India in September last year. The reception also featured a specially curated dance performance showcasing various dance forms of Bharat titled 'Natyam,’ which was widely applauded by the gathering.
In another special gesture by Seattle city, several iconic buildings, including the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Convention Centre, and Columbia Centre, were lit up in hues of the Indian tricolour to mark the Republic Day, the release added.
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