Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates highlighted India’s global contributions in technology, healthcare, and agriculture while inaugurating the first-ever India Day celebration in the Greater Seattle area. As the Guest of Honour for the event, hosted by the Consulate General of India in Seattle, Gates praised India’s innovation, from producing affordable vaccines to pioneering digital public infrastructure, which he said benefits not only India but the entire world. He acknowledged the leadership of the Indian diaspora and noted how countries in the Global South are adopting India’s digital systems.
Gates expressed his admiration for India’s advancements in various sectors through a social media post on Instagram, where he shared photos from the event, including one of himself wearing a scarf in the colors of the Indian tricolor. He mentioned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, expressing his pride in partnering with India across various sectors.
The event was also supported by several U.S. dignitaries, including Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. They were joined by the mayors of several cities in the Seattle area, further highlighting the strong ties between India and the U.S.
In a significant gesture, various governments and city councils, including those of King County, Bellevue City, Portland, Hillsboro, and Tigard, issued official proclamations to honor the India Day celebrations. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon sent a congratulatory message, acknowledging India’s achievements and the close cultural and economic connections between Wyoming and India.
The Independence Day celebrations featured floats and cultural performances representing India’s rich heritage and diversity. The Indian Consulate in Seattle, which opened earlier this year, was pivotal in organizing the event, showcasing India’s dedication to deepening relations with the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. Prakash Gupta, the first Consul General of India in Seattle, leads the mission, which also serves several other states in the U.S.
