SEATTLE, WA (TIP): Mr. Bill Gates, Chairman, Gates Foundation flagged off the FIRST India Day celebrations in the Greater Seattle area as Consulate General of India in Seattle’s Guest of Honor, on the 78th Independence Day of India.

Addressing the nearly 2000 plus members of the Indian American community, he referred to India “as a global leader with breakthrough innovations in areas like technology, agriculture and healthcare”. He further added that “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. Countries across the Global South are leveraging India’s experience to build their DPI systems.”

Other distinguished participants at the Inday Day celebrations included Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, Lt. General Xavier Brunson, Commander of the America’s First Corps in Pacific Northwest, Rear Admiral Mark Sucato, Commander of the Navy Region of Northwest, Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and Chief Justice from Washington Supreme Court Steve Gonzalez. From city leadership, Mayors of cities of Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Auburn, Renton, SeaTac, Snoqualmie and Mercer Island also joined in the India Day celebrations.

The event showcased for the first time in Greater Seattle area ALL states and regions of India through floats and cultural performances celebrating the theme of Unity in Diversity.

Each of the floats were put together by prominent leaders of the Indian American community and reflected some of the important aspects of India’s rich cultural heritage.

In another special gesture, five separate official proclamations were issued by governments/city councils of King County, Bellevue City (Washington), Portland (Oregon), Hillsboro (Oregon), Tigard (Oregon) to honor the India Day celebrations. H.E Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming also sent a separate congratulatory message on India’s 78th Independence Day. Some iconic buildings in Seattle and Bellevue also lit up in tricolors to mark the India Day celebrations.