By: Vandana Jhingan
On India’s 78th Independence Day, Mr. Bill Gates, Chairman of the Gates Foundation, inaugurated the first-ever India Day celebrations in the Greater Seattle area as the Guest of Honor, representing the Consulate General of India in Seattle. Addressing over 2,000 members of the Indian American community, Gates praised India as a global leader in innovation, highlighting its advancements in technology, agriculture, and healthcare. He emphasized that India’s contributions, including its development of affordable vaccines and leadership in digital public infrastructure, benefit not only Indians but the global community, with countries across the Global South drawing on India’s experience.
The event featured participation from numerous distinguished figures, including Congresswomen Suzan DelBene and Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, Lt. General Xavier Brunson of the America’s First Corps in the Pacific Northwest, Rear Admiral Mark Sucato of the Navy Region Northwest, Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Steve Gonzalez. Additionally, mayors from cities including Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Auburn, Renton, SeaTac, Snoqualmie, and Mercer Island attended the celebration.
The festivities included a vibrant display of India’s diversity with floats and cultural performances representing all states and regions of India. Each float, created by prominent leaders of the Indian American community, showcased aspects of India’s rich cultural heritage under the theme of Unity in Diversity.
In recognition of the event, five official proclamations were issued by the governments and city councils of King County, Bellevue, Portland (Oregon), Hillsboro (Oregon), and Tigard (Oregon). Additionally, Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming sent a congratulatory message for India’s Independence Day. Iconic buildings in Seattle and Bellevue were illuminated in the tricolor to mark the occasion.
