Bill Gates Hails India as a Global Leader in Breakthrough Innovations
17.08.2024: India’s 78th Independence Day celebrations received a significant boost as Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Gates Foundation, praised India’s remarkable progress in technology, agriculture, and healthcare. Speaking at the first-ever India Independence Day event organized by the newly-opened Indian Consulate in Seattle, Gates highlighted India’s role as a global leader in innovation.
India: A Beacon of Innovation
Addressing an audience of over 2,000 members of the Indian-American community, Gates emphasized India’s contributions to the world. He noted that India’s innovations are not only transforming the lives of its citizens but also impacting the global community, particularly in the Global South. Gates pointed out India’s achievements in producing low-cost vaccines, the leadership of the Indian diaspora, and the development of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
“India’s ingenuity is helping not just Indians, but the whole world,” Gates remarked. He added that countries across the Global South are looking to India’s experience as they build their own DPI systems.
A Grand Celebration of India’s Independence
The India Day event in Seattle was a historic occasion, marking the first time the Greater Seattle area hosted such a celebration. The event featured a vibrant display of floats and cultural performances, showcasing the theme of “Unity in Diversity.” Each float, curated by prominent leaders of the Indian-American community, highlighted different aspects of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Among the distinguished attendees were Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, Lt. General Xavier Brunson, Rear Admiral Mark Sucato, Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Steve Gonzalez.
Official Proclamations and Iconic Tributes
In honor of India’s 78th Independence Day, five official proclamations were issued by the governments and city councils of King County, Bellevue City (Washington), Portland (Oregon), Hillsboro (Oregon), and Tigard (Oregon). Additionally, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon sent a congratulatory message. To mark the occasion, iconic buildings in Seattle and Bellevue were illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag.
This grand celebration, along with the recognition from global leaders like Bill Gates, underscores India’s growing influence on the world stage. As Gates aptly stated, India’s breakthrough innovations are not only driving progress within its borders but also inspiring global advancements.