 The 76th Republic Day of India celebrations at the Bell Harbour Conference Centre, Seattle / Courtesy Photo
                                 The 76th Republic Day of India celebrations at the Bell Harbour Conference Centre, Seattle / Courtesy Photo
            
                      
               
             
            The Washington State Senate passed Senate Resolution 8604 on Jan. 26, marking the 76th Republic Day of India.
Senate Resolution 8604, introduced by State Senator Manka Dhingra and supported by Senator Vandana Slatter, celebrates the enduring friendship between the people of India and the United States. It also honors the significance of Republic Day as a symbol of India's democratic values and achievements.
The 76th Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Bell Harbour Conference Centre, Seattle, on Jan. 26. The event, which drew over 500 attendees, was graced by Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella as guests of honor.
 Attendees at India’s 76th Republic Day Reception   / Courtesy Photo
Attendees at India’s 76th Republic Day Reception   / Courtesy PhotoGovernor Ferguson, in his address to the Indian-American community, highlighted the immense contributions of the Indian society.
“The incredible contribution the Indian society makes not just for India but for the entire world,” Ferguson said, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between Washington State and India. He expressed his commitment to building a deeper relationship with the Consulate General of India in Seattle during his tenure as governor.
Nadella, reflecting on his journey, spoke about the strong relations between India and the United States: “It was a product of the bond that exists between the two countries (India and the USA),” he said. 
 
 Consul General of India delivering the welcome remarks at India’s 76th Republic Day Reception / Courtesy Photo
Consul General of India delivering the welcome remarks at India’s 76th Republic Day Reception / Courtesy Photo                  
                    
                     
                    Nadella went on to commend the leadership of both nations for their shared vision of using technology to improve key areas such as education, healthcare, public service, and the productivity of small businesses.
“Focus on how to use technology to leverage education outcomes, health outcomes, public service efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity of small businesses,” notes Nadella.
Several members of the US Congress attended the celebration for the first time, including Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Michael Baumgartner, and Rep. Kim Schrier. They praised India’s achievements as the world’s largest democracy and expressed their admiration for the country’s progress.
Other notable attendees included Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, mayors from ten Washington cities such as Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, as well as several Washington State Senators and Representatives. Elected officials from King County and the Bellevue City Council also participated in the event.
 “Natyam A Dance Mosaic of Bharat” performance at India’s 76th Republic Day Reception / Courtesy Photo
“Natyam A Dance Mosaic of Bharat” performance at India’s 76th Republic Day Reception / Courtesy PhotoOne highlight was the “One District, One Product” (ODOP) initiative, which showcased a unique cultural heritage product from each state and union territory of India. Additionally, a photo exhibit titled India through Tim’s Eyes displayed stunning images of India’s most iconic tourism sites, captured by photographer Tim Durkan during his visit to India in September 2024.
The evening concluded with a captivating dance performance titled Natyam, which featured traditional dance forms from across India.
 Seattle Great Wheel lights up in Indian Tricolours on India's 76th Republic Day / Courtesy Photo
Seattle Great Wheel lights up in Indian Tricolours on India's 76th Republic Day / Courtesy Photo             
             
             
                          
            
        
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