India (Commonwealth Union)_ On India’s 78th Independence Day, Bill Gates, the renowned American businessman and founder of Microsoft, had the honor of flagging off the first-ever India Day event in the Greater Seattle area. As the Guest of Honor at the Seattle Consulate, Gates joined a distinguished array of officials and members of the Indian diaspora to mark the occasion. In a landmark event for the Indian-American community, Gates, who is also the chairman of the Gates Foundation, lauded India’s status as a global leader in breakthrough innovations. Gates’ remarks came during the inaugural Indian Independence Day celebrations hosted by the newly-opened Indian Consulate in Seattle.
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As Bill Gates flagged off the first India Day event in Seattle, he expressed his deep admiration for India’s innovative strides, particularly in technology, agriculture, and healthcare. In a post on Instagram, he highlighted the significant contributions of India, noting that the country’s advancements in low-cost vaccine manufacturing and digital public infrastructure have made a substantial global impact. Gates remarked, “India’s ingenuity is helping not just Indians, but the entire world”. He also acknowledged how countries across the Global South are leveraging India’s experience to enhance their own digital systems.
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The celebrations in Seattle attracted a diverse group of participants, including prominent political figures such as Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, and Lieutenant General Xavier Brunson, among others. The event showcased the rich cultural tapestry of India through vibrant floats and performances that illustrated the theme of unity in diversity. Additionally, the festivities were further marked by official recognition from various local governments. Five proclamations were issued by city councils in King County, Bellevue City (Washington), Portland (Oregon), Hillsboro (Oregon), and Tigard (Oregon) to honor the occasion.
Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming also sent a congratulatory message, while several iconic buildings in Seattle and Bellevue were illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag to celebrate the day. In addition to Gates’ participation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended his congratulations to the people of India, underscoring the strong bond shared between the United States and India, rooted in their mutual commitment to democracy and human dignity. Blinken highlighted the deepening relationship and celebrated the shared values that underpin US-Indian relations.
During the special occasion in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort, emphasizing India’s aspirations to become a developed nation by 2047, marking a century of independence from British rule. The India Day celebrations in Seattle not only honored India’s rich heritage and achievements but also strengthened the cultural and diplomatic ties between the United States and India. With Bill Gates’ notable praise and the enthusiastic participation of the Indian-American community and local leaders, the event underscored India’s significant role as a global leader in innovation and its ongoing contributions to global progress.
