Washington State and India trade relations Action Committee (WASITRAC)

“We discussed a cultural exchange, as well as a potential trade mission involving agriculture. This was the start of a great partnership and I look forward to more collaboration in the coming months,” - Lisa Brown, Mayor, the City of Spokane.

Understanding the Rich Tapestry: Why the US Hospitality Industry Must Embrace India’s Diversity The United States, a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, thrives on diversity. Among its vibrant tapestry, the Indian Diaspora stands out as a significant community, contributing to the nation’s economic, cultural, and social fabric. As the hospitality industry evolves, it’s crucial for hotels, convention centers, and restaurants to recognize the affluence and unique needs of this diverse group. The Indian Diaspora: A Multifaceted Community Cultural Diversity: Have you noticed that Indian currency notes feature a remarkable display of linguistic diversity. In addition to Hindi (prominently displayed in the center) and English (on the reverse), there are fifteen languages that appear on the backside of the banknotes. India’s Constitution lists 22 scheduled languages. The Indian Diaspora encompasses a rich blend of languages, traditions, and customs. From Gujarati entrepreneurs to Tamil engineers, the community spans various regions, religions, and lifestyles. Affluence and Spending Power: Indian-Americans are among the most affluent ethnic groups in the US. Their purchasing power extends beyond necessities, making them a lucrative market for hospitality services. Food and Beverage Preferences: Indian cuisine is a symphony of flavors, spices, and regional specialties. From aromatic biryanis to savory dosas, Indian food offers a delightful journey for the taste buds. Understanding these preferences is essential for creating inclusive menus. Innovating for Inclusivity Culinary Creativity: Hotels and restaurants should go beyond token Indian dishes. Collaborate with Indian chefs to craft authentic and innovative menus that celebrate regional diversity. Consider fusion dishes that blend Indian flavors with local ingredients. Customized Services: Recognize that Indian guests may have specific dietary requirements. Offer vegetarian, vegan, and Jain options. Highlight allergen-free choices and provide clear labeling. Event Spaces: Convention centers can host Indian cultural events, festivals, and weddings. Design spaces that accommodate traditional ceremonies, vibrant attire, and large gatherings. Health Beverage Market: The Indian diaspora’s pursuit of healthier choices is evident. The hospitality industry can tap into this trend by offering nourishing beverages that align with cultural preferences. The US hospitality industry has a golden opportunity to embrace India’s diversity. By understanding the nuances of Indian culture, preferences, and needs, hotels and convention centers can create memorable experiences that resonate with this influential community. Let’s raise our glasses (perhaps with a hint of saffron-infused mocktail) to a more inclusive and innovative future! ??????? City of Seattle Washington State Convention Center Meydenbauer Center Visit Seattle Visit Bellevue State of Washington Tourism Washington Hospitality Association

Brushstrokes of sensationalism and oversimplification often paint India as a monochromatic portrait—a Hindu-first nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Western lens usually magnifies the Hindu majority, casting shadows on its secular fabric. But let us adjust the focus, step back, and examine the palette more closely. Yes, India has a Hindu majority, but it also houses the world’s second-largest Muslim population. It reveres saints, temples, and festivals, yet its soul thrives on Sufi poetry, Sikh gurdwaras, and Jain philosophy. India’s secular fabric remains resilient. Its courts uphold justice, irrespective of faith. Its festivals—Diwali, Eid, Christmas—illuminate streets side by side. Its citizens, including Minorities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs—enjoy festivals, scholarships, and representation bound by a shared humanity and celebrate unity in diversity. Even in almost all Western countries, Hindus live as a minority. Yet, their experiences diverge. Some find acceptance, while others grapple with stereotypes. The privilege of feeling welcome varies. In India, the threshold of welcome extends beyond religion. It embraces the weary traveler, the seeker, the artist, the scientist. It reveres the Ganges and the Himalayas but also the synagogues of Kochi and the churches of Goa. India is secular. Its soil absorbs prayers, chants, and hymns without bias. Hindu philosophy, rooted in pluralism, embraces “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world as one family. It echoes the Upanishadic wisdom: “Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti.”—Truth is one; sages call it by many names. So, Western media, let us not reduce India to numbers or headlines. Wield your pens with care. Capture India’s kaleidoscope—the bustling bazaars, the Ganga’s flow, the muezzin’s call, and the temple bells. Acknowledge its contradictions, its struggles, and its resilience. India defies easy labels; it dances to its rhythm—a symphony of faiths, colors, and dreams. And remember, the truth lies not in absolutes but in the interplay of narratives—a dance of perspectives beneath the eternal Indian sky.

We will celebrate and recreate our history!! The #AmritKaal Music concert is being planned to be held on Easter Sunday, March 31st, marking the 89th #ODISHADAY (the formation of a politically separate state, Kalinga, later renamed Odisha, under British rule on a linguistic basis on 1 April 1936). Known as Kalinga in ancient times, before 800?BC, the people of Odisha along the coast of the Bay of Bengal sailed up and down the Indian coast and travelled to Indo China and throughout Maritime Southeast Asia introducing elements of their culture (and Buddhism) to the people with whom they traded. Note: Odisha’s bustling port of Dhamra, now a part of Adani Ports and SEZ, India’s sole sister port to the Port of Seattle, was formally established in 2011 with a vision to foster trade, collaboration, and cultural exchange. #BuildingBridges #Odissi #Odia #JaiJagannath #ShriGuruBhagavat #BaliJatra #Bhagavat #Rasagolla #Chhenapoda

After a long wait of 13 years to have the Indian Consulate in Seattle, it was a great honor to celebrate India’s #75thRepublicDay2024 on January 26 at The Westin Seattle in full zeal and zest with Consul General of India, Prakash Gupta, his wife Neha Prakash, Seattle City Council Members Robert Kettle, Sara Nelson, Ph.D, Rob Saka, Esq., Tanya Woo, Mayor Bruce Harrell, Deputy Mayor Greg Wong, Odissi Guru Ratna Roy, and her husband David Capers https://lnkd.in/gRHStr56 https://lnkd.in/gkMCJTQ8 #AmritKaal #NewIndia #AtmaNirbharBharat #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #BuildingBridges

Here are some of the Seattle iconic buildings in Indian Tricolors on January 26 commemorating India’s #75thRepublicDay!! Republic Day is a national holiday in India commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of India, and the country's transition to a republic. The constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. #AmritKaal #NewIndia #VasudhaivaKutumbakam Visit Seattle