Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Reflects on Being a Product of India-US Relations

The Consulate General of India in Seattle held a special reception on Sunday at the Bell Harbour Conference Centre to mark India's 76th Republic Day, reports PTI.

Satya Nadella, the Microsoft CEO, said he was the "product of the bond" between India and the US as the top government officials and American lawmakers appreciated the contributions of the Indian community on the Republic Day celebration.

The Consulate General of India in Seattle held a special reception on Sunday at the Bell Harbour Conference Centre to mark India's 76th Republic Day, reports PTI.

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The Consulate issued a press release stating that over 500 persons from the Indian-American community had attended the reception in which Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Nadella were the Guests of Honour. For the first time in the history of this evening celebration, several members of the US Congress joined the contingent.

Talking to the gathering, Nadella said he "was a product of the bond that exists between the two countries, India and US."

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He praised the leadership of both nations for their "focus on how to use technology to leverage education outcomes, health outcomes, public service efficiency, competitiveness and productivity of small businesses", the press release said.

At the Republic Day reception, Ferguson, the newly elected 24th Governor of Washington State, appreciated "the incredible contribution the Indian society makes not just for India but for the entire world."

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He said that as a new Governor of the State of Washington, he looked forward to building on the relationship with the Consulate General of India in Seattle.

The State Senate of Washington passed a State Senate Resolution, moved by State Senator Manka Dhingra and supported by Senator Vandana Slatter, to recognize the 76th Republic Day of India as well as to appreciate the close friendship between the people of India and the US on this occasion.

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The reception, held at the Republic Day, was organized by the Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta and attended by a distinguished line-up of top government officials, lawmakers as well as Mayors of ten cities.

Several US Congress members attended the evening celebrations, including Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Michael Baumgartner, and Rep. Kim Schrier, who praised India's achievements as the world's largest democracy.

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Attended by other notable dignitaries were Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and many Washington State Senators and Representatives.

Exhibitions at Republic Day reception in Seattle will include ODOP, where each one of the states and union territories of India will exhibit a unique cultural heritage product.

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On the occasion, photo exhibition 'India through Tim's Eyes' was also arranged on the occasion with some of the most iconic Indian tourism sites were clicked by the ace photographer Tim Durkan during the visit to India in September last year.

The performance of dance to be specially-crafted for the show included various styles of Bharatnatyam and a similar dance-based performance titled 'Natyam' was done which was seen being widely-appreciated throughout the gathering.

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In another special gesture by Seattle city, several iconic buildings in Seattle, including the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Convention Center and Columbia Center were lit up in hues of the Indian tricolour to mark the Republic Day, the release added.

Earlier this month, Nadella had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. "Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji for your leadership. Excited to build on our commitment to making India AI-first and work together on our continued expansion in the country to ensure every Indian benefits from this AI platform shift," the Microsoft Chairman and CEO had said in a post on X about his meeting with Modi.

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Modi had voiced appreciation for Microsoft’s ambitious expansion and investment plans in India. “It was indeed a delight to meet you, @satyanadella! Glad to know about Microsoft's ambitious expansion and investment plans in India. It was also wonderful discussing various aspects of tech, innovation and AI in our meeting,” Modi had said, responding to Nadella's post.

Read also| Satya Nadella Expresses Excitement Over Growing India-US Ties

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