Washington, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Washington State Senate has adopted a resolution celebrating India's 77th Republic Day, acknowledging the nation's rich democratic traditions and the invaluable contributions of the Indian-American community.

The resolution, known as Senate Resolution No. 8674, received strong bipartisan backing in Olympia. It emphasized India's enduring democratic heritage and underscored the strengthening relationship between India and Washington state, particularly in areas like agriculture, trade, technology, and critical emerging technologies.

This initiative was spearheaded by Indian American State Senator Manka Dhingra from the 45th Legislative District and garnered support from State Senator Vandana Slatter of the 48th Legislative District, with unanimous approval from all attending senators.

In celebration of the resolution's passage, the Consulate General of India (CGI) organized a reception at the Washington State Capitol, attended by numerous state senators, House of Representatives members, and other dignitaries, complemented by cultural performances.

Other states in the US Northwest, including Alaska, Nebraska, Oregon, and South Dakota, also issued proclamations in recognition of India’s Republic Day. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte expressed appreciation for the “contributions of the Indian and Indian American community” to Montana’s cultural, educational, and economic landscape, highlighting their commitment to innovation and learning.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden congratulated India on its 77 years of republic status, expressing optimism for a strengthened US-India relationship. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen emphasized the “shared values” between India and Nebraska, particularly in trade, technology, agriculture, and culture.

Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, acknowledged India's global influence, stating that “Indian innovation is impacting people globally, not just within India, across various sectors including health, agriculture, digital public infrastructure, and emerging technologies like AI.”

US Representative Kim Schrier from Washington’s 8th Congressional District extended her wishes for a vibrant Republic Day, celebrating the values and freedoms that India's democracy embodies. She expressed hope for an ever-strengthening friendship between the two nations.

On January 26, the Consulate held two events in Seattle to commemorate the occasion. In the morning, the Consul General proudly hoisted the Indian tricolor atop the Federal Reserve building in downtown Seattle and shared excerpts from the President of India’s address.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson attended the ceremony, alongside a 30-member delegation from Montana as honored guests. The program showcased patriotic poetry and a traditional Kuchipudi dance performance.

A reception later that evening at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle drew attendance from Washington state leaders, technology executives, and Indian American community members.

During the reception, six newly elected Indian American city council members from Washington state were recognized for their public service and for enhancing Indian American representation in local governance.

Guests enjoyed cultural displays under the One District One Product initiative, showcasing items from all 28 Indian states.

The Consulate also inaugurated the newly co-located offices of the Indian Consular Application Centre within the Federal Reserve building, aimed at enhancing efficiency and consolidating consular services.