‘India A Global Innovation Leader’: Bill Gates At Seattle Event On Gandhi Jayanti | Business News

Bill Gates, Chair and Board Member of Gates Foundation, addressing the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations ( 2 October 2025, Seattle)

Seattle came alive with the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi as the Consulate General of India in Seattle, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, hosted a special cultural celebration at the Foundation’s headquarters on Wednesday. The event showcased India’s rich cultural heritage, arts, and cuisine, while commemorating Gandhi Jayanti and the International Day of Non-Violence.

The evening’s celebration was graced by Bill Gates, Chair and Board Member of the Gates Foundation, alongside senior leaders from the Washington State and Seattle City governments.

Speaking at the event, Gates said, “It’s fitting that we’re coming together on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. The ideals he championed — the equality and dignity of every person — are foundational to the work we do. Today, India stands as a global leader in innovation and is pioneering solutions with the potential to save and improve millions of lives across the Global South. We look forward to continuing to partner with India on its journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.”

The program also featured a keynote address by Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute, on the theme “Relevance of Gandhian Values in Contemporary World Order.” The celebration reflected on Gandhi’s enduring influence in shaping peace and equity around the world.

Earlier in the day, the Greater Seattle area witnessed a series of tributes to the Mahatma. A commemorative ceremony was held at the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi near Bellevue Public Library, attended by Bellevue City Council leadership.

Later in the afternoon, a second event took place at the Seattle Center, near the base of the Space Needle, where Washington State Senator Vandana Slatter and Eddie Rye, Chairman and Founder of the Martin Luther King (MLK)–Gandhi Foundation, offered floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

Both events saw enthusiastic participation from a large cross-section of the Indian-American community, as well as leaders from local civic organizations. Young schoolchildren added a special touch to the ceremonies with soulful renditions of Gandhi Ji’s favorite hymns.

The day-long celebrations underscored the deep connections between the Indian diaspora, the local community, and the shared values of peace, non-violence, and inclusive progress championed by Mahatma Gandhi.