India's innovative leadership on the global stage was celebrated by American businessman and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates during the inaugural India Independence Day event hosted by the newly-opened Indian Consulate in Seattle.
As the Guest of Honor at the event, Gates emphasised India's pivotal role in driving breakthrough innovations in technology, agriculture, and healthcare. Addressing over 2,000 Indian-Americans, he lauded India as a "global leader" and highlighted its contributions to the world, from manufacturing affordable vaccines to building a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). He noted that India's ingenuity is not only benefiting its citizens but also inspiring nations across the Global South to develop their own DPI systems.
The India Day celebrations, marking India's 78th Independence Day, also featured remarks from prominent figures including Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Congressman Adam Smith, Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, and others. The event showcased India's cultural diversity with floats and performances representing various regions of the country, organized by leaders of the Indian-American community.
To honor the occasion, five official proclamations were issued by city councils in King County, Bellevue, Portland, Hillsboro, and Tigard. Additionally, several iconic buildings in Seattle and Bellevue were illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag.
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