Several U.S. states and cities have proclaimed August 15 as India Day, celebrating India’s Independence Day and honoring the contributions of the Indian American community.
WASHINGTON, DC – Following the lead of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Delaware, numerous additional U.S. states and cities have declared August 15 as India Day. This designation honors India’s Independence Day while recognizing the significant contributions of the Indian American community to the nation’s economy, culture, and civic life.
Governors in Washington and Nebraska have issued proclamations to mark the occasion. In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel officially acknowledged the Federation of Indian Associations Ohio and the Consulate General of India in New York for their joint celebration of India’s 80th Independence Day.
Across Washington state, various cities and local governments participated in the observance. Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, and SeaTac all issued proclamations, as did the Metropolitan King County Council.
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington extended her 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 stated.
She emphasized the significance of this year, noting that India and the United States are also celebrating 80 years of diplomatic relations. “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,” she added.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson proclaimed August 15 as India Day, highlighting the ways in which Indian Americans enrich the state’s “cultural fabric, economic vitality, and civic life.” He recognized the community’s diverse contributions as innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and professionals.
Ferguson’s proclamation also acknowledged the Consulate General of India in Seattle for its role in fostering people-to-people ties between India and Washington state.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen issued a similar proclamation, emphasizing the contributions of the Indian American community to the state’s economy, civic life, and cultural landscape. His proclamation also highlighted the shared values of democracy, diversity, and mutual respect between India and the United States.
In Ohio, Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Tressel expressed gratitude to the Indian community for their efforts to showcase their native country and enhance awareness of India’s rich history.
The Metropolitan King County Council noted that over 100,000 Indian Americans reside in the county, with Washington state hosting an Indian community of approximately 200,000 individuals. The council’s proclamation recognized India’s advancements in education, healthcare, and economic development, declaring August 15 as “India’s 80th Independence Day” in King County.
Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson proclaimed India Day in Seattle, while Bellevue Mayor Mo Malakoutian, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, and SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal issued separate declarations acknowledging the cultural, social, and economic contributions of Indian Americans.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte shared a video message expressing appreciation for the contributions of the Indian and Indian American community to the state’s cultural, educational, and economic life. “Your commitment to innovation, learning, and community enriches all of us,” Gianforte remarked.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden congratulated the Consulate General of India in Seattle and those participating in the celebrations. Alaska also sent greetings, recognizing that its Indian and Indian American community has strengthened the state through their contributions.
These proclamations across various states and cities reflect a growing recognition of the Indian American community’s impact and the celebration of India’s Independence Day.
According to IANS, this widespread acknowledgment underscores the importance of cultural diversity and the contributions of immigrant communities in the United States.