Washington: Seattle, United States Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated on October 2 with a special India Day ceremony organized by the Gates Foundation and the Consulate General of India in Seattle. Bill Gates, the chair and board member of the Gates Foundation, as well as top officials from the city of Seattle and Washington State attended the event, which included Indian culture, art, and food.
Bill Gates told the crowd that the day was a symbolic celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. “The ideals he championed, the equality and dignity of every person, are foundational to the work we do,” Gates said.
Additionally, he commended India’s contribution to global innovation, particularly in identifying solutions for development and health in the Global South. “India is now leading the world in innovation and developing ground-breaking solutions that have the potential to save and enhance the lives of millions of people. We’re excited to keep working with India as it moves toward Viksit Bharat 2047,” Gates said.
The event, which highlighted areas of collaboration in healthcare, innovation, and development, was characterized by the Indian Consulate General in Seattle as a manifestation of the close relationship between India and the Gates Foundation.
In addition to offering visitors a taste of India’s culture, the Gandhi Jayanti event at the Foundation’s headquarters included conversations on the common ideals of equality and human dignity as well as cultural performances and Indian cuisine.
Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Father of the Nation for his crucial role in the Indian liberation movement, celebrates his 156th birthday this year.
is honored as Gandhi Jayanti in India and as the International Day of Non-Violence worldwide, in accordance with a 2007 United Nations resolution that was endorsed by more than 140 nations.
The day is commemorated at the UN with remarks from the Secretary-General and activities that relate Gandhi’s ideas to the modern world.
These messages have brought attention to international crises in recent years and served as a reminder to countries that Gandhi’s convictions of truth and non-violence are “more powerful than any weapon.”
In India, Gandhi’s values are celebrated via public campaigns, cultural and educational events, and tributes at Raj Ghat.
