The Indian Panorama

Tag: Seattle

  • Invest India Business Forum in Seattle showcases Indian Pomegranates, Araku Coffee

    • Investment opportunities in AI, Ag-Tech, Quantum, Photonics, Higher Education and Healthcare Discussed
    • Largest Trade Mission from State of Washington to visit India
    A collage of photographs of the occasion.

    SEATTLE, WA (TIP): In partnership with Montana World Affairs Council and ZOHO, Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted the second edition of Invest India Business Forum at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center today.
    CEOs and senior executives of several multinational companies from the Greater Seattle area, along with local dignitaries attended, which included representatives from Microsoft, Salesforce, Amazon, T-Mobile among others. Leading Industry experts from the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Photonics, Quantum Computing, Ag-Tech, Healthcare and Higher Education made detailed presentation on the investment opportunities and the presented on the successful state of progress in those sectors in India and their investment potential.

    As a follow up from today’s Invest India Business Forum (IIBF), Greater Seattle Partners (GSP), along with Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce will be leading Washington State’s largest trade mission ever to visit India from 28 January to 07 February 2026. The delegation includes nearly 30 plus members from Port of Seattle, City of Bellevue Economic Development, Mayor of Redmond, and senior leadership of Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing. Ms. Rebecca Lovell, Interim President & CEO of GSP addressed the gathering and looked forward to developing stronger commercial and investment ties between Seattle and India.

    The event also showcased various experiential Indian products on display for tasting and exports to the US Pacific Northwest, which included the premium Indian “Bhagwa Variety” pomegranates for tasting and these would be very soon available at local retail stores in USA. These Bhagwa variety of Indian pomegranates produced in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka, are renowned worldwide for their rich flavor, deep red color and high nutritional value. Since India is one of the leading producers of pomegranates in the world, there has been an increased demand in recent years after US granted market access to Indian pomegranates in 2023. Other items on display included ODOP (One District One Product) cultural heritage items from all 28 States of India, Araku coffee from the foothills of eastern ghats of Southern India and some of India’s finest wines and hand-crafted spirits.

    Addressing the gathering, Mr. Eric Wexler, CEO of Providence, commended India’s healthcare potential and highlighted Providence’s recently inaugurated Global Capability Center in Hyderabad, which is projected to create more than 2000 new jobs. The facility will focus on building AI-enabled advanced healthcare technology solutions by leveraging India’s talent pool.

    Representative of ZOHO showcased how AI driven locally developed data models were being utilized in India, as it pushes for digital self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and data sovereignty. It may be noted that Government of India has recently adopted Zoho’s technology solutions such as its Office Suite, sending a positive signal of encouragement to Indian startups.

    The Invest India Business Forum was also attended by a large delegation of senior business leaders from the Montana World Affairs Council. It may be noted that a youth delegation led by Montana World Affairs Council had recently visited India and Montana State Governor Greg Gianforte had hosted a welcome reception at the State Capitol in Helena.

    The Invest India Business Forum (IIBF) aimed to deepen economic ties between US Pacific Northwest and India by presenting India’s investment potential in key priority sectors. Additionally, the Forum also served as a platform to showcase Indian export-ready products with strong potential in the Greater Seattle market. As such, IIBF aimed to complement Consulate’s ongoing efforts to advance 3Ts – Trade, Tourism & Technology by promoting investments, industry linkages and exports.

    For any further clarifications/ details, please contact Press Officer Consul Soumith Raju, Phone: 206-412-0448, Email: pic.seattle@mea.gov.in.

    (Based on a Press Release issued by Press Officer Consul Soumith Raju)

  • Seattle University hosts pre-Summit briefing session on India AI Impact Summit 2026

    Seattle University hosts pre-Summit briefing session on India AI Impact Summit 2026

    SEATTLE (TIP): In partnership with Seattle University (SU), Consulate General of India in Seattle co-hosted a briefing session on the upcoming AI India Impact Summit 2026 today at the Casey Commons Conference Hall at SU.

    CEO of Remitly, Matt Oppenheimer presenting on Remitly’s experience of investing in India’s AI ecosystem at India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing.
    Consul General Prakash Gupta providing an overview of India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing.

    The session focused on the theme “People, Planet, and Progress”, highlighting India’s AI strategy for social good, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth. A large number of students and senior faculty from Seattle University attended the event which provided them an overview of India’s expanding AI ecosystem and its evolution.

    Panelists addressing queries of participants in an interactive session at India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing.
    Participants at India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing.
    Participants at India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing.

    The keynote remarks were delivered by CEO of the popular remittance app REMITLY, Mr. Matt Oppenheimer, who shared Remitly’s experience of investing in India’s AI-driven future and highlighted how Remitly’s Bengaluru office has benefited from reforms in Ease of Doing Business in India.

    Dr. Onur Bakiner, Professor of Political Science and Director of Technical Ethics Initiative, Seattle University addressing participants at India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing.
    Participants signing up at India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing.
    Participants at India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing.

    In addition, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Technology Ethics Initiative at Seattle University Prof. Onur Bakiner addressed SU students and scholars on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the AI age.

    Panelists at India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing (12 January 2026, Seattle University)
    Participants at India AI Impact Summit pre-summit briefing.

    Delivering the inaugural address, Consul General of India in Seattle provided an overall overview of the preparations for AI Impact Summit 2026 and profile of the high-level delegation expected to participate from the Greater Seattle area.

    India AI Impact Summit Pre-summit briefing organized at Seattle University.

    Today’s briefing on the AI India Impact Summit 2026 was the second in a series of such events hosted in the Greater Seattle Area. It may be noted that CGI Seattle had earlier hosted an AI INDIA Impact Summit 2026: Pre Event Briefing Session for US Congressmen and Tech CEOs on 07 November 2025 at the Consulate premises wherein, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith and Michael Baumgartner had special briefing sessions from senior tech industry representatives from Microsoft, Salesforce and Anicca Data Science Solutions.
    (Based on a Press Release issued by Soumith Raju, Consul, CGI Seattle)

  • INDIA AI Impact Summit 2026: Pre-Event Briefing Session for US Congressmen and Tech CEOs hosted in Seattle

    INDIA AI Impact Summit 2026: Pre-Event Briefing Session for US Congressmen and Tech CEOs hosted in Seattle

    Expert panelists briefing US Rep. Adam Smith and US Rep. Michael Baumgartner at the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.

    SEATTLE, WA (TIP): In the run up to India-AI Impact Summit 2026 to be held in New Delhi next year, Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted on November 7, a Pre- Event Curtain Raiser focusing on the three pillars of India’s AI Impact Summit: People, Planet and Progress.

    Expert panelists briefing US Rep. Adam Smith and US Rep. Michael Baumgartner at the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
    US Rep. Adam Smith and US Rep. Michael Baumgartner interacting with participants of the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.​

    The Roundtable featured expert presentations by leading Tech CEOs from Greater Seattle area and covered themes like the usage of AI in Agri-Tech and the potential of Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure in India.

    Participants also briefed US Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Michael Baumgartner, Member of the House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees about India’s progress in AI and highlighted the Seven Chakras, or Themes for Global Cooperation centered around (i) Safe and Trusted AI (ii) Human Capital (iii) Science (iv) Resilience, Innovation and Efficiency (v) Inclusion and Social Empowerment (vi) Democratizing AI Resources and (vii) Economic Growth and Social Good.

    Expert panelists briefing US Rep. Adam Smith and US Rep. Michael Baumgartner at the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
    Expert panelists briefing US Rep. Adam Smith and US Rep. Michael Baumgartner at the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.

    Today’s briefing at the new Chancery premises of the Indian Consulate in Seattle, was the first such curtain raiser, in a series of such sessions that are being planned in the run up to the AI India Impact Summit. Subsequent, workshops and briefing sessions are being planned in leading US Universities in the US Pacific Northwest, as well with leading Tech and AI industry stakeholders in January 2026.

    Expert panelists briefing US Rep. Adam Smith and US Rep. Michael Baumgartner at the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
    US Rep. Adam Smith and US Rep. Michael Baumgartner interacting with participants of the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
    Tech Experts briefing US Rep. Adam Smith and US Rep. Michael Baumgartner at the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.

    The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held from 19-20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as the first global-scale AI summit hosted in the Global South. It will bring together governments, industry, academia, and startups from global capitals with an aim to translate AI’s potential into tangible outcomes for People, Planet, and Progress and reaffirm India’s vision of “AI for All.”

    For more details, please contact: Soumith Raju K. Consul (Press, Information & Culture), +1 (206) 412-0448, pic.seattle@mea.gov.in.

    Participants meeting on the sidelines of the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 (7 November 2025, Seattle).
    Venue of the Pre Event Round Table on the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
  • Montana Students experience Incredible India: Governor of Montana hosts welcome reception at State Capitol in their honor

    Montana Students experience Incredible India: Governor of Montana hosts welcome reception at State Capitol in their honor

    HELENA , MT (TIP): Hon’ble Governor of Montana Greg Gianforte hosted a special welcome reception at the State Capitol in Helena today (September 29) in honor of students from Montana who had recently returned from a two-week visit to India.

    Ms. Emily Brandenburg of the Montana student delegation sharing her experience of visiting Incredible India at the welcome reception at the State Capitol in Helena.

    The ten-member student delegation from Montana to India was led by Mr. Jason Smith, Member of the Board of Directors of the Montana World Affairs Council. Their itinerary included prominent heritage landmarks and experiences such as the Rath Yatra in Odisha, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, and Lucknow’s Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza.

    Hon’ble Governor of Montana Greg Gianforte delivering his remarks at the welcome reception

    The Consulate General of India in Seattle worked in close partnership with the Montana World Affairs Council to arrange this exclusively curated visit from 26 June – 9 July 2025. The program featured interactions with senior government officials of the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, visits to leading educational institutions such as KIIT/KISS in Odisha and CMS in Lucknow, and vibrant exchanges with their youth counterparts in Lucknow and Bhubaneswar. During this immersive experience, the Montana students also participated in interactive workshops aimed at deepening their understanding and appreciation of Indian arts and culture.

    It may be noted that these students were selected through a competitive and extensive series of India-focused outreach programs across multiple school districts of Montana, culminating in the Indian Film Festival at the University of Montana in Missoula earlier this year (2–4 March 2025).

    Addressing the welcome reception at Helena, Governor Greg Gianforte welcomed the initiative of the newly opened Indian Consulate in promoting people-to-people ties, especially among the youth of the two countries. Recalling his India visit, Mr. Jason Smith, the delegation head, said “I have always found my time in India to be magical. The people are warm and wonderful—the sights, the sounds are so unique. There’s no place like it on Planet Earth. It is really important for our young delegation to spend time with their peers and to learn firsthand that there is more that unites us than makes us different.”

    During the welcome reception, the Montana students narrated their Incredible India experiences to an audience of leading scholars, media representatives, and industry leaders who had gathered at the State Capitol in Helena. The delegation’s visit underscored the importance of developing deeper ties between the next generation of young leaders from India and the United States.

  • India Day celebrated at Gates Foundation on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti

    India Day celebrated at Gates Foundation on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti

    SEATTLE, WA (TIP): In partnership with Gates Foundation, Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted a special celebration showcasing Indian culture, arts and cuisine at the Gates Foundation today (October 2). The event was graced by Mr. Bill Gates, Chair and Board Member of Gates Foundation, along with senior leadership of Washington State and Seattle City government.

    Mr. Bill Gates, Chair and Board Member of Gates Foundation, being presented a special publication on Gandhi ji by Mr. Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, at Gandhi Jayanti celebrations , October 2, 2025.

    Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bill 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.”

    “Natyam – A Dance Mosaic of Bharat” – a specially curated dance performance on various states of India being performed at Gandhi Jayanti celebrations

    The event also coincided with the Gandhi Jayanti and International Day of Non-Violence celebrations in the Greater Seattle area and also featured a special address on the ‘Relevance of Gandhian Values in Contemporary World Order’ by Mr. Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute.

    Dignitaries at Gandhi Jayanti celebrations

    Earlier in the day, a commemorative event was also held at the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the Bellevue Public Library, where Bellevue City Council leadership joined in honoring the legacy of the Mahatma. In addition, another commemorative function was hosted in the afternoon at the Seattle Center (near the base of Space Needle) and floral tributes were offered at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi by Washington State Senator Vandana Slatter in the presence of Eddie Rye, Chairman and Founder of the Martin Luther King (MLK) – Gandhi Foundation. A large cross-section of Indian-American leadership attended these events in Seattle and Bellevue respectively, which also featured a special rendition of Gandhi Ji’s favorite hymns by young school children.

    Commemoration of Gandhi Jayanti at Seattle Center next to Space Needle on October 2,2025.
  • Tasveer Film Festival Celebrates 20 Years with Power-Packed Lineup and Global Expansion Through Groundbreaking Film Market

    Tasveer Film Festival Celebrates 20 Years with Power-Packed Lineup and Global Expansion Through Groundbreaking Film Market

    North America’s leading platform for South Asian cinema returns October 8–12, 2025 in Seattle, showcasing premieres, industry deals, and the next generation of filmmakers at the Tasveer Film Center

    SEATTLE, WA (TIP):  The Tasveer Film Festival Market, the only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival in the world, and North America’s leading platform for South Asian storytelling, returns this October for its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of groundbreaking storytelling. The Tasveer Film festival runs from October 8–12, 2025 at their recently acquired property, Tasveer Film Center (4812 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA).

    Tasveer team inside Tasveer Film Center

    At the Launch Party tonight, Tasveer released the full official festival lineup, market projects, and list of visiting filmmakers and film industry executives. The Tasveer Market’s second year hosts a day-long AI convention and welcomes a growing number of industry representatives, including executives from Jordan Peele’s Monkey Paw Productions, Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, Taika Waititi's Waititi Productions, Atomic Monster, Daniel Destin Cretton’s Hisako Films, South Stack Studios, Entropy Media, Merelta Films, Exit 44 Entertainment, among others.

    Highlighted films at this year’s festival include:

    • Opening Night Feature: Little Jaffna, Directed by Lawrence Valin (North America Premiere, France 2024) (AlUla Audience Award, Red Sea Film Festival)
    • Centerpiece Film: I, the Song, Directed by Dechen Roder (North America Premiere, Bhutan, 2024) (Tallinn Black Night Film Festival —Best Director)
    • Documentary Feature: Farming the Revolution, Directed by Nishtha Jain (Washington State Premiere, India, 2024) Best International Documentary, Hot Docs

    Film Festival 2024

    • Diaspora Focus: Have You Heard Judi Singh?, Directed by Baljit Sangra (USA Premiere, Canada, 2025)
    • Tasveer Emerald Screening: Humans in the Loop, Directed by Aranya Sahay (Washington Premiere, India, 2025)
    • Closing Night Feature: Zewel, Directed by ‘Q’ (World Premiere, Bangladesh/India 2025)
    • Market Highlight: AI Day with Runway

    The 20th edition of Tasveer Film festival spotlights 109 films from around the world, 43 of which are world premieres, spanning 22 countries and 24 languages and local dialects.

    Tasveer Film Festival Highlights

    Rita Meher, Tasveer Film Festival and Market Executive Director remarks, “For 23 years, we’ve stayed true to our mission of uplifting South Asian voices by bringing bold, thought-provoking films to Seattle. It’s humbling to see that work recognized, and my vision is to establish Seattle as a global hub for cinema—building our own table, focusing on quality and experience, and staying at the edge of industry trends from storytelling to AI.”

    The festival also serves as a creative hub—hosting industry panels, networking events, and conversations that connect filmmakers, producers, artists, and audiences. Tasveer has developed an ecosystem for South Asian filmmakers connecting South Asian and diaspora filmmakers with financing, mentorship, and industry opportunities through the Tasveer Film Market, Film Fund and Tasveer Producers Lab. Since 2020, Tasveer has distributed $228,000 in grants, in partnership with Netflix, creating a vital talent pipeline for underrepresented South Asian filmmakers.

    Tasveer Film Festival HIGHLIGHTS
    Tasveer Film Festival & Market

    The Tasveer Film Market, to be held from October 8-10, 2025, is the first global market, a curated marketplace for upcoming South Asian films in late development to meet executives in North America. The market includes networking events, live pitches, 1-1 meetings, panels, and educational AI workshops for industry badge holders. In 2024, they received 300 unique project submissions, curating 63 live project pitches, and announcing 7 deals at the closing of the market.

    Award-winning filmmaker Mohammed Ali (Mo) Naqvi, who recently joined the Tasveer Film Market as Artistic Director after serving as Chairman of the Advisory Board last year,  emphasized the global impact of the Market alongside his colleagues Anushree Shukla, Associate Director, and Neha Dutta, Sr. Manager, Industry Relations.

    Naqvi said: “As a filmmaker myself, I started almost 20 years ago when something like this—a film market created by and for South Asian filmmakers in the diaspora—felt like a fantasy. The fact that we are doing it now, with partnerships from some of the biggest global brands in entertainment and tech, who are not only supporting us but championing a new generation of filmmakers, feels like a dream come true. I feel privileged to help make this happen with such an incredible team”.

    Tasveer Film Festival  Market Schedule

    October 8–12, 2025 • Seattle, WA

    Day 0: Tuesday, Oct 7th, 2025

    6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Local Filmmakers Showcase

    Day 1: Wednesday, Oct 8th, 2025

    9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – At the Intersection of AI & Film

    4:00 PM – Tasveer Film Market Opening

    7:00 PM – Tasveer Producers Lab Pitch

    8:00 PM – Tasveer Film Festival Screening 

    Rita Meher with 2025 Mayor’s Film Award for outstanding achievement in film. (Photo credit: Tasveer Film Festival & Market)

    Day 2: Thursday, Oct 9th, 2025

    9:00 AM – Tasveer Select Pitches

    12:00 PM – Networking Lunch

    2:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Panels | Meetings

    5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Networking Reception

    7:00 PM – 20th Tasveer Film Festival Opening Night & Red Carpet Gala

    9:00 PM – 11:00 PM – After Party

    Day 3: Friday, Oct 10th, 2025

    9:00 AM – Tasveer Film Fund Pitch Day

    12:00 PM – Networking Lunch

    1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Industry Panels

    1:00 PM – Tasveer Film Festival Screening

    3:00 PM – 11:00 PM – TFF Screenings Begin

    5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Networking Happy Hours

    10:00 PM – Market Closing Party

    Closing Ceremony of the Market; Producers Lab Fellow Award

    Day 4: Saturday, Oct 11th, 2025

    10:00 AM – Breakfast with Filmmakers

    11:00 AM – Film Screenings Block

    Day 5: Sunday, Oct 12th, 2025

    11:00 AM – 5:00 PM – TFF Screenings

    5:00 PM – Closing Night Film & Awards Ceremony

    About Tasveer Film Festival; Market

    Founded by Rita Meher and produced by Tasveer, TFFM has grown from a grassroots initiative into North America’s leading platform for South Asian storytelling—and the world’s only Oscar®-qualifying South Asian film festival. For over 20 years, the Tasveer Film Festival (TFF) has used the power of film to bridge cultures, challenge perspectives, and foster global connection through curated films, interactive workshops, and bold conversations. In 2023, Tasveer launched the Tasveer Film Market (TFM), North America’s first industry hub connecting South Asian stories with global executives. Tasveer, originally founded in 2002 by Rita Meher and Farah Nousheen, is a Seattle-based nonprofit to inspire social change through South Asian cinema and storytelling.

  • 14 Cities across 8 States of US Pacific Northwest host the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations

    14 Cities across 8 States of US Pacific Northwest host the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations

    11th International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations at the iconic Waterfront Park in Seattle, Washington (21 June 2025, Seattle)

    SEATTLE (TIP): Consulate General of India in Seattle organized a grand multi-city celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) across 14 cities in 8 states of the Pacific Northwest region of USA, on 21 June 2025.

    Thousands of Yoga enthusiasts participated in IDY sessions at iconic locations in cities of Seattle, Shoreline, Spokane and Vancouver in Washington State, Corvallis and Hillsboro in Oregon, Omaha in Nebraska, Fargo in North Dakota, Vermillion and Sioux Falls in South Dakota, Boise in Idaho, Bozeman and Missoula in Montana and Laramie in Wyoming. Yoga lovers from cross cultural background participated along with leading dignitaries from local city governments, and leaders of the Indian American community.

    Dignitaries being felicitated at the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations in Seattle, Washington (21 June 2025, Seattle)
    Yoga enthusiasts participating in Yoga session at the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations in Seattle, Washington (21 June 2025, Seattle)
    Yoga enthusiasts participating in Yoga session at the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations in Seattle, Washington (21 June 2025, Seattle)

    The signature event in Seattle was hosted at the iconic Waterfront Park, amidst the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound. Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harrell, addressed the gathering and issued an official proclamation recognizing Yoga, “originating in India, over 5000 years ago, and first mentioned in the ancient sacred texts of the Rig Veda, is a profound practice that continues to benefit humanity, by promoting both physical health and mental well-being” !

    Consul General of India in Seattle addressing the participants at the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations in Seattle, Washington (21 June 2025, Seattle)
    Lucky draw winners being presented with Ayurvedic gift hampers at the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations in Seattle, Washington (21 June 2025, Seattle)
    11th International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations at the iconic Waterfront Park in Seattle, Washington (21 June 2025, Seattle)
    Seattle City Mayor Bruce Harrell addressing the participants at the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations in Seattle, Washington (21 June 2025, Seattle)

    Earlier, curtain raiser IDY events were hosted by the Indian Consulate in Seattle at Foster School of Business in University of Washington on 21 May and at the Bellevue downtown park on 14 June 2025, which too had witnessed considerable participation of youth and yoga lovers.

    “MAITRI” – A Nature sculpture from Santiniketan, India, inspired by a tribal dance and gifted to the people of Seattle at the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations (21 June 2025, Seattle)
    Several official proclamations marking the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 (21 June 2025, Washington State)

    In another special gesture of recognition for IDY, the Mayors of Bellevue, Seattle, Spokane and King County in Washington State issued official proclamations recognizing the International Day of Yoga and acknowledging India’s contribution in introducing yoga to the world.

    (Based on a Press release issued by Consul Saumith Raju)

  • Indian American family of Punjabi-origin owns Miss World America pageant

    Indian American family of Punjabi-origin owns Miss World America pageant

    SEATTLE, WA (TIP): An Indian-origin family now owns the Miss World America pageant, preliminary to the Miss World competition. The family comprises Ekta, who belongs to Abohar, and husband Sanjay Saini of Ludhiana. Earlier, they were appointed new national directors of Miss World America pageant. Last year, their daughter, Shree Saini, won the Miss World America contest and was the first runners-up in the Miss World pageant. Shree is the first Indian-American Miss World America, who has served with over one hundred non-profit organizations.

    The Miss World Organisation, located in the UK, recently announced new national directors for the US in Ekta and Sanjay Saini, based in Washington state. The National Miss World America organization’s headquarters for the US is now in Seattle, Washington. Ekta and Sanjay are the first of south-Asian descent to hold this position and hope to change the landscape of the Miss World America Organization by creating the most giving pageant in the world and transforming the lives of its contestants.

     

     

  • ICE’s Top Lawyer in Seattle Charged with Stealing Immigrants’ Identities

    ICE’s Top Lawyer in Seattle Charged with Stealing Immigrants’ Identities

    Raphael A. Sanchez is accused of stealing the information of seven immigrants while their cases were under review by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SEATTLE (TIP): The chief counsel for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Seattle has been charged with stealing the identities of multiple immigrants for financial gain, says a Buzz Feed report Feb 14.

    According to an indictment filed this week, ICE’s top attorney in its Seattle office allegedly devised a plan to steal the identities of seven immigrants over a four-year period while their cases were being processed by the federal immigration agency.

    The lawyer, Raphael A. Sanchez, faces one count of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    A Justice Department official told BuzzFeed News Sanchez resigned from the agency effective Monday, Feb 12,  the same day the indictment against him was filed.

    Sanchez used the identifying information of the seven immigrants to “defraud financial institutions” including American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Citibank, Discover, and JPMorgan Chase, according to the charging document. He also allegedly used his official ICE email address to forward personal information of one of the victims, including an energy bill, a US residence card, and copy of a Chinese passport.

    A spokeswoman with ICE’s Seattle office referred all questions about the indictment and Sanchez’s employment with the agency to the Department of Justice. According to the complaint, the case was spearheaded by the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section in Washington, DC, which oversees corruption cases involving public officials.

     (Source: BuzzFeed/ DOJ))

     

  • 40% of foreign-born techies in Seattle Indians

    40% of foreign-born techies in Seattle Indians

    SEATTLE (TIP):  More than 40 per cent of the foreign-born tech workers in Seattle — which is home to Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing — are from India, according to a media report. Silicon Valley is overly dependent (70 per cent) on foreign tech workers in IT occupation, it said.

    (Source: PTI)