The Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted its inaugural India Day celebrations on August 15, 2024, to mark the 78th anniversary of India’s Independence.
Bill Gates, Chairman of Gates Foundation, who was the Guest of Honor, officially commenced the festivities in the Greater Seattle area. During the event, Gates highlighted India’s role as a global leader, praising the country for its groundbreaking innovations in technology, agriculture, and healthcare.
“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,” emphasized Gates while addressing over 2,000 Indian American community members who were there to witness the grand event. “Countries across the Global South are leveraging India’s experience to build their DPI systems.”
The event, held for the first time in the Greater Seattle area, featured floats and cultural performances representing all states and regions of India, celebrating the theme of “Unity in Diversity.” Each float, organized by prominent leaders of the community, highlighted key aspects of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Mayors of Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Auburn, Renton, SeaTac, Snoqualmie and Mercer Island also joined the celebrations. To honor the occasion, a few iconic buildings in Seattle and Bellevue also lit up in tricolors.
Five Official proclamations were issued by governments and city councils of King County, Bellevue City (Washington), Portland (Oregon), Hillsboro (Oregon), Tigard (Oregon) to honor the celebrations. Governor of Wyoming, Mark Gordon also issued a congratulatory message on the occasion.
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, Lt. General Xavier Brunson, Commander of the America’s First Corps in Pacific North West, Rear Admiral Mark Sucato, Commander of the Navy Region of North West, Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and Chief Justice of Washington Supreme Court Steve Gonzalez were present on the occasion.
