States of Alaska, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington issue proclamations marking the occasion
The Washington State Senate passed Resolution No. 867,4 proposed by Indian American State Senator Manka Dhingra (45th Legislative District) and supported by State Senator Vandana Slatter (48th Legislative District), and was adopted with bipartisan support by all the Senators present in the session. To mark the occasion, a special reception was hosted by the Consulate at the State Capitol in Olympia, where several State Senators, members of the Washington State House of Representatives, and dignitaries participated.
Several States of the US Northwest, in the Consulate’s jurisdiction, including Alaska, Nebraska, Washington, Oregon, and South Dakota, issued special proclamations honoring the Republic Day celebrations by the Consulate. Several Governors and dignitaries of the US Pacific Northwest region congratulated India with their messages:
Governor of Montana Greg Gianforte acknowledged the “contributions of the Indian and Indian American community” to Montana’s cultural, educational, and economic life, and how their commitment to innovation and learning enriches its society.
Governor of South Dakota Larry Rhoden said, “Congratulations on the 77 years of the Republic of India. I am confident that the United States and India will continue to build even stronger relationship.”
Governor of Nebraska Jim Pillen spoke about the “shared values” between India and Nebraska, particularly through collaboration in trade, technology, agriculture, and culture.
Chair of the Gates Foundation Bill Gates said, “Indian innovation is serving people at scale, not just in India, but across the global south. That’s true in health, in agriculture, in digital public infrastructure and in new technologies like AI.”
US Rep. Kim Schrier (Washington’s 8th Congressional District) said, “On behalf of the people of Washington, I wish all of you a happy Republic Day as bright as your tricolor flag and as meaningful as the values and freedoms that your democracy represents. May the friendship between our peoples continue to grow ever stronger in the years ahead.”
Further to the above, two separate events were hosted by the Consulate on January 26, 2026. Consul General unfurled the Indian tricolor atop the Federal Reserve building in downtown Seattle and read excerpts from the Hon’ble President’s address. Hon’ble Mayor of Seattle Katie Wilson and a 30-member delegation from Montana graced the occasion as guests of honor. The celebrations also featured a soulful rendering of patriotic poems and a traditional Kuchipudi dance performance.
Later in the evening, a grand reception was hosted at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle with participation from several Washington State leaders, CEOs of leading tech companies and prominent Indian American leaders. Dignitaries who graced the event included First Lady of Washington State Colleen Ferguson, Commanding general of I Corps and JBLM, Washington Lt Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, Attorney General of Washington State Nick Brown, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, CEO of Puget Sound Transit Dow Constantine, Mayors of the Cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Kent, Normandy Park, Deputy Mayor of Seattle Brian Surratt, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes and Chairman of Puyallup tribe Bill Sterud.
During the evening reception, six recently elected Indian American members of city councils in Washington State were recognized for their contributions to public service and for enhancing the profile and representation of Indian Americans in local governance structures. Dignitaries and guests also viewed the One District One Product (ODOP) cultural heritage items from all 28 States of India, which were exhibited on the sidelines of the event.
