Bill Gates flags off first India Day Parade in Seattle area, describes India as 'global leader'​

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates flagged off the first India Day celebrations in the Greater Seattle Area in the United States. (ANI)​

A huge number of balloons draped in the colours of the Indian flag were flown to mark the celebrations. (ANI)

Congresswomen Suzan K DelBene and Kim Schrier and Congressman Adam Smith, along with Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Washington Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs participated in the celebrations. (ANI)

Earlier, celebrations for the 78th Independence Day were also held at the Indian Consulate General in Seattle on August 15. India celebrated its 78th Independence Day today, marking 77 years of freedom from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. (PTI photo)

The Independence Day celebration was showcased for the first time in the Greater Seattle area all states and regions of India through floats and cultural performances celebrating the theme of Unity in Diversity. Each of the floats was put together by prominent leaders of the Indian American community and reflected some of the important aspects of India's rich cultural heritage, the release said. (ANI)

Gates emphasised that "from manufacturing safe low-cost vaccines to the remarkable leadership shown by the Indian diaspora to India's Digital Public Infrastructure – India's ingenuity is helping not just Indians, but the whole world. Countries across the Global South are leveraging India's experience to build their DPI systems". (PTI)

The annual India Day program in Manhattan displayed performances featuring Mayurbhanj Chhau & Odissi dance forms. (@IndiainNewYork/X)

Indian Independence Day celebrations were also held at Jersey City's City Hall, organized by Indian Patriots of New Jersey. The event featured vibrant cultural performances and Indian flag-raising at the City Hall. Jersey City is home to a significant number of Indian diaspora and ‘India Square’ holds the distinction of being home to one of the highest concentrations of Indians in the Western Hemisphere. (@IndiainNewYork/X)