Bill Gates Honors Gandhi's Legacy: "Mahatma Gandhi's Ideals Are Foundational To Our Work"

Bill Gates addressed a gathering to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti during a special event in Seattle.

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi's principles of equality and dignity for all people serve as the foundation for the Gates Foundation's work. He highlighted that India has pioneered solutions capable of improving and saving millions of lives across the Global South.

Gates spoke at a special celebration organized by the Consulate General of India in Seattle in collaboration with the Gates Foundation on Thursday, marking Mahatma Gandhi's 156th birth anniversary. The event showcased Indian culture, arts, and cuisine.

"It's appropriate that we gather on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. The principles he advocated for—equality and dignity for every individual—are fundamental to our work," said Gates, who serves as Chair and Board Member of the Gates Foundation.

"India now stands as a global innovation leader, developing solutions that can transform and save countless lives throughout the Global South. We anticipate continuing our partnership with India as it progresses toward Viksit Bharat 2047," the Microsoft co-founder stated at the event hosted at the Gates Foundation headquarters.

The celebration was attended by senior officials from Washington State and Seattle City government, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti observances in the Greater Seattle area, which is also recognized worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence.

The event featured a special presentation on the 'Relevance of Gandhian Values in Contemporary World Order' delivered by Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute.

Multiple events were organized throughout Seattle to honor Gandhi's birth anniversary.

Earlier that day, a commemorative ceremony took place at Gandhi's statue near the Bellevue Public Library, where Bellevue City Council leadership participated in honoring the Mahatma's legacy.

Additionally, another commemorative function was held at the Seattle Center, near the base of the iconic Space Needle. Washington State Senator Vandana Slatter offered floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi's bust, accompanied by Eddie Rye, Chairman and Founder of the Martin Luther King (MLK) - Gandhi Foundation.

A substantial representation of Indian-American leaders attended these events in Seattle and Bellevue, which also included a special performance of Gandhi's favorite hymns by young schoolchildren.

In New York, Consul General Binaya Pradhan visited the Gandhi Peace Garden at SUNY Old Westbury college and engaged with members of the university community.

"Inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi on 24 Sept 2019, the Garden-an initiative of @IndiainNewYork, @shantifund & SUNY-features 150 trees representing all 50 US states, reflecting Gandhiji's timeless message of peace, harmony and respect for nature," stated the Consulate General of India in New York in a social media post.

The Indian Embassy in Washington organized an event celebrating Gandhi's legacy with participation from the Indian diaspora, students, professionals, and friends of India.

"At the event Srimati Karuna, Director of the Gandhi Memorial Center, Bethesda, Maryland (USA) delivered a talk on 'Gandhi's life and Message'. She shared anecdotes from Mahatma Gandhiji's life, his inspirations and his vision for the world," the Embassy announced.

"The talk was followed by rendition of beautiful bhajan and songs that Bapu was fond of, by differently abled young Indian artists- Ms. Anusha Manjunath and Ms. Vasundhara Raturi," it added in a social media update.