SEATTLE (Diya TV) — The Greater Seattle area observed its first-ever India Day celebration with a grand event that attracted more than 2,000 members of the Indian American community. The event was held in honor of India’s 78th Independence Day and featured Bill Gates, Chairman of the Gates Foundation, as the Guest of Honor.
Speaking to the crowd, Gates said that India is the global leader particularly on the fronts of technology, agriculture, and health. It has made gigantic strides from producing low-cost vaccines to leading in Digital Public Infrastructure. “India’s ingenuity is helping not just Indians but the whole world,” said Gates.
It included some of the biggest political personalities, such as Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, and Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck. It also included military leadership like Lt. General Xavier Brunson, Commander of America’s First Corps in the Pacific Northwest, and Rear Admiral Mark Sucato, Commander of Navy Region Northwest. Mayors of Bellevue, Tacoma, and Renton were also part of it.
In a show of India’s rich diversity, the event featured colored floats representing each of the states and regions of India. The floats were constructed by the leaders of Indian American communities, which showcased the rich cultural diversity of India on the theme of “Unity in Diversity.” Cultural performances added to the vibrancy of the day, making it an occasion to acknowledge India’s artistic and historical contributions.
In addition, five individual official declarations were made by the governments and city councils of King County, Bellevue (Washington), Portland (Oregon), Hillsboro (Oregon), and Tigard (Oregon) on India’s Independence Day. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon also wished the nation on India’s 78 years of independence.
To commemorate the event further, several iconic buildings in Seattle and Bellevue were illuminated in India’s tricolors, making the occasion more vibrant.
All states of India showcased their floats and regional cultural performances in the heart of Bellevue.
