More US States, Cities Proclaim India Day

WASHINGTON, DC- After New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Delaware, several more US states and cities have proclaimed August 15 as India Day, honoring India’s Independence Day and recognizing the Indian American community’s contributions to the country’s economy, culture and civic life.

Governors in Washington and Nebraska issued proclamations marking the occasion. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel also officially recognized the Federation of Indian Associations Ohio and the Consulate General of India in New York for jointly celebrating India’s 80th Independence Day.

Cities and local governments across Washington state joined the observance. Seattle, Bellevue, Kent and SeaTac issued proclamations, as did the Metropolitan King County Council.

US Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington also sent greetings to the Indian 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.

“This year is also especially meaningful as India and the United States celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations,” she 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.”

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson proclaimed August 15 as India Day. He said Indian Americans enriched the state’s “cultural fabric, economic vitality and civic life”, including as innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, artists and professionals.

Ferguson’s proclamation recognized the community’s religious and cultural diversity. It also credited the Consulate General of India in Seattle with fostering people-to-people ties between India and Washington state.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen issued a similar proclamation, saying the state’s Indian American community contributed to its economy, civic life and cultural fabric. It also cited the shared values of democracy, diversity and mutual respect between India and the United States.

In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel thanked the Indian community for its efforts “to showcase their native country and to increase the awareness of India’s historic past.”

The Metropolitan King County Council said more than 100,000 Indian Americans lived in the county. Its proclamation also noted that Washington state had an Indian community of about 200,000 people.

The council recognized India’s progress in education, healthcare and economic development and proclaimed August 15 as “India’s 80th Independence Day” in King County.

Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson proclaimed India Day in Seattle. Bellevue Mayor Mo Malakoutian, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal issued separate declarations recognizing the cultural, social and economic contributions of Indian Americans.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte sent a video message.

“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 Governor Larry Rhoden congratulated the Consulate General of India in Seattle and those joining the celebration. Alaska also sent greetings, saying its Indian and Indian American community strengthened the state through its contributions. (IANS)