US States and Cities Mark India’s 80th Independence Day, Honor Indian-American Community
WASHINGTON — Governors and local officials across the United States have issued proclamations marking Aug. 15 as India Day, using the occasion to recognize India’s 80th Independence Day and the growing influence of Indian Americans in business, technology, education, health care and public life.
Delaware, Washington and Nebraska were among the states formally recognizing the occasion. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel acknowledged celebrations organized jointly by the Federation of Indian Associations Ohio and the Consulate General of India in New York.
Several communities in Washington state also joined the observance, including Seattle, Bellevue, Kent and SeaTac, along with the Metropolitan King County Council.
The proclamations focused both on India’s democratic development and on the expanding relationship between India and the United States, while highlighting the Indian-American community’s contributions to state and local economies.
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington sent greetings to the community and the Consulate General of India in Seattle.
“Please accept my warmest greetings and best wishes as you celebrate the 80th Independence Day of India and Flag Hoisting Ceremony,” Cantwell said.
She also pointed to the broader bilateral relationship.
“This year is also especially meaningful as India and the United States celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations,” Cantwell said. “Over the past eight decades, the partnership between the world’s two largest democracies has continued to grow and flourish, reflecting our shared democratic values and our commitment to prosperity, innovation, and opportunity.”
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer’s proclamation said the state had benefited from the cultures and traditions of its growing Indian-American population. It credited Delawareans of Indian heritage with strengthening the state through leadership, professional achievement and community service.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson similarly recognized Indian Americans for adding to the state’s “cultural fabric, economic vitality and civic life” as entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, artists and professionals.
His proclamation also highlighted the community’s religious and cultural diversity and praised the Consulate General of India in Seattle for strengthening ties between Washington state and India.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said Indian Americans had made important contributions to the state’s economy and civic life. His proclamation also emphasized democracy, diversity and mutual respect as values shared by the United States and India.
In Ohio, DeWine and Tressel thanked the Indian community for efforts “to showcase their native country and to increase the awareness of India’s historic past.”
Local governments in the Seattle area offered similar recognition.
The Metropolitan King County Council said more than 100,000 Indian Americans live in the county, while Washington state’s Indian community numbers about 200,000. The council proclaimed Aug. 15 as “India’s 80th Independence Day” in King County and cited India’s advances in education, health care and economic development.
Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson proclaimed India Day in the city, while Bellevue Mayor Mo Malakoutian, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal issued separate declarations honoring Indian Americans’ cultural, social and economic contributions.
Governors from several other states also sent congratulatory messages.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said Indian and Indian-American residents had strengthened his state.
“In Montana, we deeply appreciate the contributions of the Indian and Indian American community to our state’s cultural, educational, and economic life,” Gianforte said. “Your commitment to innovation, learning, and community enriches all of us.”
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden congratulated the Consulate General of India in Seattle and participants in the Independence Day celebrations, while Alaska officials also praised the Indian and Indian-American community for its contributions to the state. (Source: IANS)
