2 weeks ago
US States Proclaim India Day, Hail Indian American Contributions
India celebrates its birthday on August 15, the day it became its own country in 1947.
This year, India is 80 years old.
Many leaders in the United States wanted to say congratulations.
They made August 15 a special day called 'India Day.'
Governors in Delaware, Washington, and Nebraska made it official.
Mayors in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, and SeaTac did the same.
The leaders thanked Indian Americans for their work as doctors, teachers, scientists, artists, and business owners.
Senator Maria Cantwell said India and the United States have been friends for 80 years.
A special flag-raising ceremony will be held in Seattle to celebrate.
US states and cities proclaimed August 15, 2026, as India Day, marking India's 80th Independence Day.
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen issued formal proclamations.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel recognized the Federation of Indian Associations Ohio and the Consulate General of India in New York.
US Senator Maria Cantwell said India and the United States celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations this year.
The King County Council said more than 100,000 Indian Americans live in the county and about 200,000 in Washington state.
- Who
- US state leaders including Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, and US Senator Maria Cantwell, along with the Indian American community.
- What
- Proclaimed August 15, 2026, as India Day, honoring India's 80th Independence Day and recognizing the Indian American community's contributions to the US economy, culture and civic life.
- Where
- Proclamations were issued in Delaware, Washington, Nebraska and Ohio, and in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, SeaTac and King County; greetings also came from Montana, South Dakota and Alaska, with a flag-hoisting ceremony planned in Seattle.
- When
- August 15, 2026, marking India's 80th Independence Day.
- Why
- To honor India's independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, the 80 years of India-US diplomatic relations, and Indian Americans' contributions across business, science, technology, education, healthcare and public service.
Key facts
- Event
- India Day proclamations across US states and cities
- Commemoration
- India's 80th Independence Day (August 15, 2026)
- Diplomatic milestone
- 80 years of India-US diplomatic relations
- States issuing proclamations
- Delaware, Washington, Nebraska
- Indian Americans in Washington state
- About 200,000
- Indian Americans in King County
- More than 100,000
- Commemorative music
- 'Vande Mataram' performed by Grammy-winning violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and the Swara Yoga Ensemble
- Flag-hoisting ceremony
- Federal Reserve Building, Seattle
Quotes
South Dakota Senator Larry Rhoden
Governor of South Dakota
“"In Montana, we deeply appreciate the contributions of the Indian and Indian American community to our state's cultural, educational, and economic life. Your commitment to innovation, learning, and community enriches all of us."”
thehansindia.com
NDTV
“"So, on this special occasion, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Consulate General of India in Seattle, the Indian-American community, and everyone participating in today's celebration."”
NDTV
Sources
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