The 77th Republic Day of India was commemorated in Olympia, Washington, with the adoption of a special resolution, SR-8674, by the Washington State Senate.

“The resolution acknowledged India’s strong traditions of democracy, the contributions of the large Indian American population in the State and the role of Indian Consulate in fostering a stronger multifaceted relationship with the State,” noted a statement from the Consulate General of India in Seattle. The resolution also cited “agriculture, trade, technology, critical and emerging technologies” as shared priorities between India and Washington State.

The resolution was introduced by Indian American State Senator Manka Dhingra of the 45th Legislative District and supported by State Senator Vandana Slatter of the 48th Legislative District. It was adopted with bipartisan support by all senators present during the session.

To mark the occasion, the Consulate hosted a special reception at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, attended by several state senators, members of the Washington State House of Representatives, and other dignitaries.

Several states in the US Northwest within the Consulate’s jurisdiction, including Alaska, Nebraska, Washington, Oregon, and South Dakota, also issued proclamations recognizing India’s Republic Day. Governors and other dignitaries from the Pacific Northwest conveyed congratulatory messages.

Governor of Montana Greg Gianforte acknowledged the “contributions of the Indian and Indian American community” to Montana’s cultural, educational, and economic life, noting that their commitment to innovation and learning enriches society.

Governor of South Dakota Larry Rhoden said, “Congratulations on the 77 years of the Republic of India. I am confident that the United States and India will continue to build even stronger relationship.”

Governor of Nebraska Jim Pillen highlighted the “shared values” between India and Nebraska, particularly through collaboration in trade, technology, agriculture, and culture.

Chair of the Gates Foundation Bill Gates said, “Indian innovation is serving people at scale, not just in India, but across the global south. That’s true in health, in agriculture, in digital public infrastructure and in new technologies like AI.”

US Representative Kim Schrier of Washington’s 8th Congressional District stated, “On behalf of the people of Washington, I wish all of you a happy Republic Day as bright as your tricolor flag and as meaningful as the values and freedoms that your democracy represents. May the friendship between our peoples continue to grow ever stronger in the years ahead.”

In addition to the Olympia event, the Consulate hosted two other programs on January 26. The Consul General unfurled the Indian tricolor atop the Federal Reserve Building in downtown Seattle and read excerpts from the President of India’s address.

Mayor of Seattle Katie Wilson and a 30-member delegation from Montana attended as guests of honor. The program also featured patriotic poetry and a traditional Kuchipudi dance performance.

Later in the evening, a grand reception was held at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle, bringing together Washington State leaders, chief executives from leading technology companies, and prominent Indian American community leaders.

Dignitaries in attendance included Washington State First Lady Colleen Ferguson, Commanding General of I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Puget Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, mayors from Bellevue, Kirkland, Kent, and Normandy Park, Seattle Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, and Chairman of the Puyallup Tribe Bill Sterud.

During the reception, six newly elected Indian American city council members from across Washington State were recognized for their public service and for strengthening Indian American representation in local governance. Guests also viewed One District One Product cultural heritage items from all 28 states of India, which were displayed alongside the event.

As part of the morning flag unfurling ceremony, the newly co-located offices of the Indian Consular Application Center with the Consulate at the Federal Reserve Building were also inaugurated. “The co-location is expected to enhance operational efficiency and provide consular applicants with a one-stop facility for submitting applications and resolving queries,” the Consulate stated.

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