Latest news with #IndianTricolor
United News of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Indian Tricolor hoisted on Seattle's Space Needle for the first time
Seattle, Aug 16 (UNI) In a historic and landmark event, the Indian national flag was hoisted atop Seattle's iconic Space Needle for the first time ever, in celebration of India's 79th Independence Day, the Consulate General of India in Seattle said in an official statement. The Consul General of India in Seattle, along with Bruce Harrell, Mayor of Seattle, and other select dignitaries from Seattle city leadership, joined in the historic occasion and acknowledged the contributions of the Indian American diaspora in shaping Seattle's journey as a tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest, the release added. The flag hoisting marked a proud moment for the Indian American community, reflecting the deepening ties between India and the region. The ceremonial event was attended by the Consul General of India in Seattle, along with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and several senior members of the city's leadership. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell acknowledged the contributions of the Indian American diaspora in shaping Seattle's emergence as a major technology hub. Following the hoisting, a large community reception was held at the scenic Kerry Park, offering panoramic views of the Seattle skyline—with the Indian Tricolor flying high on the Space Needle in the background. A significant number of Indian American community members gathered at the park to witness and celebrate this momentous occasion. The reception saw the presence of several distinguished US dignitaries, including Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9th District), Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court Debra L. Stephens, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and Seattle Parks & Recreation Director AP Diaz. Addressing the crowd, Congressman Smith hailed the event as a "powerful tribute to the diversity of the Pacific Northwest and the enduring friendship between India and the United States". The celebration also featured a vibrant cultural program that included the national anthems of both India and the United States, traditional dance performances showcasing India's rich artistic heritage, and a poetic recital by renowned actor and artist Piyush Mishra, the statement added. In a further gesture of recognition, King County, which comprises 39 cities along with Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Spokane, issued official proclamations declaring August 15 as 'India Day,' underscoring the community's growing influence and cultural significance. To commemorate the occasion, several iconic landmarks in Seattle were illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag, including Lumen Stadium, T-Mobile Park, the Westin Hotel, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Space Needle itself. The Indian flag was also raised at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall, and at the headquarters of the Tacoma Police and Fire Departments. It is worth noting that India opened its sixth consulate in the United States in Seattle in November 2023. UNI XC AAB
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Indian Flag Hoisted On Seattle's Iconic Space Needle For First Time
In a landmark and historic first in Seattle, the flag of India was raised on top of the Space Needle today in honour of India's 79th Independence Day celebrations. Built in 1962 for the World Fair, the Space Needle stands as a symbol of Seattle's skyline and epitomizes the tech-driven future of the US Pacific Northwest region, the Consulate General of India in Seattle said in an official statement. The Consul General of India in Seattle, along with Bruce Harrell, Mayor of Seattle, and other select dignitaries from Seattle city leadership, joined in the historic occasion and acknowledged the contributions of the Indian American diaspora in shaping Seattle's journey as a tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest, the release added. A Historic Milestone: Indian Tricolor Hoisted for the First Time Ever Atop Seattle's Iconic Space Needle On India's 79th Independence Day, the Indian Tricolor was hoisted for the first time ever atop Seattle's iconic Space Needle, a proud moment for the Indian diaspora in… — India In Seattle (@IndiainSeattle) August 16, 2025 A community reception was separately hosted by the Consulate at the scenic Kerry Park, which offered sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, with India's flag atop the Space Needle in the backdrop. Large numbers of Indian American community members turned up to witness the historic sight, the Consulate noted in the statement. Several US dignitaries also graced the Kerry Park reception, including U.S. Congressman (WA-9th district) Adam Smith, Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court Debra L. Stephens, Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and Superintendent/Director of Seattle Parks & Recreation AP Diaz. Addressing the gathering, US Rep. Adam Smith welcomed the historic celebration, noting that the Indian Tricolour hoisted atop the Space Needle is a tribute to the region's diversity and the strong bonds between India and the Pacific Northwest, the release said. The celebrations included a vibrant cultural segment featuring national anthems, a cultural dance performance showcasing the rich diversity of Indian art forms, and a poetic recital by renowned artist and actor Piyush Mishra, according to the Consulate. (3/4) — India In Seattle (@IndiainSeattle) August 16, 2025 In a special gesture to honour India's 79th Independence Day in the Greater Seattle area, King County, along with Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue, issued official proclamations marking August 15 as India Day, the statement added. Separately, several iconic buildings in Seattle were also lit up in Indian tricolours. These included Lumen Stadium, T-Mobile Stadium, Westin, Seattle Great Wheel, and the Space Needle. The Indian flag was also hoisted at the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma City Hall, and at the headquarters of Tacoma Police and Fire Departments. It may be noted that India opened its 6th Consulate in Seattle in November 2023 and has since actively deepened its engagements with the US Pacific Northwest, the Consulate highlighted.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Dr Swaiman Singh faces Pro-Khalistan opposition at NY Gurdwara over Indian flag, stands firm
BATHINDA: Dr Swaiman Singh, who played a vital role during the struggle against farm laws at the borders of Delhi in 2020-21, tried to be heckled by some Pro-Khalistan persons at a Gurdwara in New York on Sunday afternoon. The pro khalistan elements were angry why he displayed Indian Tricolor during the farmer protest as they were angry with the happenings of June 1984 when Indian Army had stormed the Golden Temple to flush out extremists. Despite opposition by certain office bearers of some Gurdwara committees, Dr Swaiman stood his ground and delivered a speech for which he was invited by the committee of New York Sikh Cultural Society. A big congregation was held at NY Sikh Cultural Society Gurdwara on Sunday afternoon (wee hours of Monday in India). Dr Swaiman along with former Governor Andrew Cuomo, was invited by the gurdwara committee to deliver a lecture. During the event, a pro-Khalistani group attempted to prevent Dr Swaiman from speaking, citing his display of the Indian flag during the recent farmers' protests as their reason for objection. Undeterred, Dr Swaiman delivered his response, challenging the group to open dialogue. He boldly invited them to bring the media from across United States to pose any questions, urging them to present concrete proof to support their claims. Dr Swaiman speaking to TOI over phoner from USA said that it is true that Sikhs living in various parts of world are angry over the way the revered religious place was attacked by Indian state in 1984 and justice has not been delivered till now. But being an Indian, he displayed Tricolor a number of timers and I am proud of it. Whatever happened in 1984 was an attack by a government of a particular political party, it does not denote the entire India. We may be angry with the government or party but not with India. I too was branded as Khalistani which is not right and the country should look into the grievances of Sikhs and deliver justice but opposing me by some people could not undermine India or my commitment towards people especially in India where my team is regularly working'. The NY Sikh Cultural Society Gurdwara remains a vital community hub, fostering dialogue and cultural unity. This incident highlights the need for constructive conversations to bridge divides within our communities, he said. Dr Swaiman' family belongs to district Tarn Taran district in Punjab. During the farm struggle his organisation '5 rivers heart association' held medical camps during the longevity of the struggle at the borders of Delhi.
