Bill Gates, chairman of the Gates Foundation, inaugurated the first-ever India Day celebrations in the Greater Seattle area as the guest of honour, hosted by the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
The event coincided with India’s 78th Independence Day and drew a crowd of over 2,000 attendees from the Indian American community.
In his address, Gates lauded India as a global leader in innovation, particularly in technology, agriculture, and healthcare. He highlighted India’s contributions to the world, noting, "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."
Thank you, Mr. Bill Gates, for flagging off the First India Day celebrations in Greater Seattle area.
— India In Seattle (@IndiainSeattle) August 17, 2024
Deeply appreciate the participation of Congresswomen Suzan K DelBene and Kim Schrier and Congressman Adam Smith, along with Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and… pic.twitter.com/R0HBmw5E0c
The celebration saw participation from several prominent figures, including Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, and military leaders like Lt. General Xavier Brunson and Rear Admiral Mark Sucato. Washington state officials, including Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and Chief Justice Steve Gonzalez, also attended, along with the mayors of Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Auburn, Renton, SeaTac, Snoqualmie, and Mercer Island.
The event featured cultural performances and floats representing all states and regions of India, reflecting the theme of "Unity in Diversity." These floats, organized by Indian American community leaders, showcased India’s rich cultural heritage.
In recognition of the event, five separate official proclamations were issued by governments and city councils in King County, Bellevue, Portland, Hillsboro, and Tigard. Additionally, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon sent a congratulatory message, and iconic buildings in Seattle and Bellevue were illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag.
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