Seattle, Oct 3 (NationPress) Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, praised India for emerging as a global leader in innovation, emphasizing that its groundbreaking solutions could significantly impact millions of lives throughout the Global South, during a recent event in Seattle, United States.

During the event organized by the Indian Consulate General in Seattle alongside the Gates Foundation, Gates expressed his eagerness to continue collaborating with India on its ambitious journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

“It’s fitting that we are gathering on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. The principles he advocated for, including the equality and dignity of every individual, are central to our mission. Today, India serves as a global leader in innovation and is developing solutions that could enhance and save millions of lives across the Global South. We anticipate ongoing collaboration with India as it strives for Viksit Bharat 2047,” stated Gates, who serves as Chair and Board Member of the Gates Foundation.

The event also saw the participation of top officials from Washington and the Seattle City government.

Held at the Bill Gates Foundation to commemorate the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the gathering highlighted Indian culture, arts, and cuisine.

This celebration coincided with the observance of Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence in the Greater Seattle area, featuring a significant address on the ‘Relevance of Gandhian Values in Contemporary World Order’ by Jonathan Granoff, President of the US Global Security Institute.

The Indian Consulate General in Seattle noted that earlier that day, a commemorative event took place at the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the Bellevue Public Library, where Bellevue City Council leadership paid tribute to Gandhi’s legacy.

Additionally, another commemorative function was held at the Seattle Center (close to the base of the Space Needle), where floral tributes were laid at the bust of Gandhi by Washington State Senator Vandana Slatter in the presence of Eddie Rye, Chairman and Founder of the Martin Luther King (MLK) – Gandhi Foundation.

“A diverse group of Indian-American leaders attended these events in Seattle and Bellevue, which also included a special performance of Gandhi’s favorite hymns by young school children,” reported the Indian Consulate General.