India's 76th Republic Day was celebrated in Seattle with a grand reception at the Bell Harbour Conference Centre on January 26, 2025. The event was honored by the attendance of Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Microsoft Chairman & CEO Satya Nadella, both of whom were Guests of Honour.
Speaking to an audience of more than 500 Indian-Americans, Washington State's recently elected Governor at the 24th position, Governor Ferguson appreciated "the magnificent contribution the Indian society renders not only for India but for the whole world." He went further to mention that he is delighted to consolidate relationship with the Seattle Consulate General of India.
Satya Nadella, in his address, spoke about the strong affinity between India and the United States, and said that he himself was "a product of the bond that exists between the two countries." He lauded the leadership of the two nations for their dedication to using technology to improve education, healthcare, public services, and the competitiveness of small businesses.
Distinguished Guests and Congressional Honor
In a gesture for the first time ever, a number of U.S. Members of Congress also attended the evening festivities, such as Representatives Suzan DelBene, Adam Smith, Michael Baumgartner, and Kim Schrier, who praised India's achievement as a global largest democracy. Other dignitaries present were Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and the Mayors of ten cities: Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Auburn, Tacoma, Mercer Island, Monroe, Kent, and Sammamish. A number of Washington State Representatives, Senators, and elected King County and Bellevue City Council members were present.
On the occasion of India's Republic Day, the Washington State Senate at Olympia adopted State Senate Resolution 8604. Initiated by State Senator Manka Dhingra and backed by Senator Vandana Slatter, the resolution marked the steadfast friendship between people from India and the United States.
Seattle Landmarks Illuminate in Tricolour
Complementing the festive atmosphere, some of Seattle's iconic landmarks—like the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Convention Center, and Columbia Center—were lit up in Indian flag colours as a special tribute to India's Republic Day.
Cultural Showcases and Exhibits
The Republic Day Reception also highlighted a varied variety of exhibits saluting India's artistic and cultural heritage. "One District, One Product" (ODOP) initiative reflected distinct handicrafts and heritage products of all Indian states and union territories. There was a special photography display, India through Tim's Eyes, featuring picturesque shots of India's most well-known tourist hotspots, as clicked by the award-winning photographer Tim Durkan on his journey to the country in September 2024.
A cultural moment of the day was the dance performance of Natyam, a specially arranged dance show celebrating India's rich classical dance tradition. The breathtaking performance enthralled the crowd and received a thunderous response.
The celebration, with a mix of diplomatic appreciation, cultural festivity, and community engagement, underscored the strengthening of relations between India and the United States, and the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Seattle became an unforgettable event.
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