The Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted a grand reception to celebrate India’s 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, at the Bell Harbor Conference Center.
Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella attended the event as Guests of Honor, joining nearly 500 members of the Indian American community.
Governor Ferguson, recently elected as Washington’s 24th Governor, lauded the contributions of the Indian diaspora, stated that the “incredible contributions of the Indian community,” extend beyond India and benefit the entire world. He expressed his commitment to strengthening Washington’s relationship with the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
Satya Nadella reflected on the deep ties between India and the United States, acknowledging that he himself is a product of this enduring partnership. He commended the leadership of both nations for their dedication to leveraging technology for advancements in education, healthcare, public service, and small business competitiveness.
Advertisement
The evening also saw the participation of several US Congressional representatives, including Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Michael Baumgartner, and Rep. Kim Schrier, who praised India’s achievements as the world’s largest democracy. Other distinguished attendees included Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and the mayors of ten cities, including Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Auburn, Tacoma, Mercer Island, Monroe, Kent, and Sammamish. Several Washington State Senators, Representatives, and elected officials from King County and Bellevue City Council were also present.
In a special gesture, the Washington State Senate in Olympia passed State Senate Resolution 8604, introduced by Senator Manka Dhingra and supported by Senator Vandana Slatter, reaffirming the strong friendship between India and the United States on the occasion of India’s Republic Day.
Adding to the celebrations, Seattle paid a luminous tribute by lighting up several iconic landmarks, including the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Convention Center, and Columbia Center, in the colors of the Indian flag.
