News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Community News India Times (April 18, 2026 - April 24, 2026) April 24, 2026 6 US Affairs Life-Sized Statue Of Swami Vivekananda Unveiled In Seattle I n a historic first, the City of Seattle has become the first city government in the United States to host a life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at the Westlake Square Park in the center of downtown Seattle. The installation in Seattle is sculpted by the prominent Indian sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat. With over 600 instal- lations across more than 80 countries, his works serve as cultural icons of India across continents. The life-size bronze statue was jointly unveiled April 12, 2026, by Seattle Mayor KatieWilson and Consul General of India in Seattle, the Consulate said on Saturday April 11. Sharing the details in an official statement, the Consulate said that this monument is the first installation of Swami Vivekananda, which is hosted by a city government anywhere in the United States. “Westlake Square” in downtown Se- attle, is a unique melting spot in the center of the city that records over 400,000 daily visits and millions of visitors each month and is within walking distance of the Spheres (Amazon HQrs), Seattle Conven- tion Center and Seattle Center Monorail, according to the Consulate press release. The unveiling ceremony was attended by several dignitaries from the Greater Seattle area, including Mayor of Seattle KatieWilson; Mayor of Kent Dana Ralph; Mayor of Auburn Nancy Backus; Mayor of TukwilaTomMcLeod; Mayor of Normandy Park Eric Zimmerman; and Mayor of Kirk- land Kelly Curtis. A large number of com- munity leaders from the Indian American diaspora and members of city councils of Bellevue, Bothell, Dupont and Redmond also joined in the ceremony, the Consulate said in the statement. Mayor KatieWilson, in her speech, underscored that the installation of the Swami Vivekananda Monument (SVM) in Seattle reflects the city’s inclusive spirit and further strengthens cultural ties be- tween India and the diverse metropolitan tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest. The Swami Vivekananda Monument is a gift from the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the City of Seattle in recognition of the city’s rich multicultural character and spirit of inclusivity and as such, it was befitting that the event was held on the occasion of the celebration of ICCR Day. The installation of SVM is part of India’s broader cultural diplomacy initiative, facilitated through ICCR and aims to strengthen people-to-people ties between India and the US Pacific North- west. Swami Vivekananda was a renowned philosopher and spiritual leader who in- troduced Vedanta and Yoga to theWest. By a StaffWriter Dignitaries including the Mayor of Seattle and the Indian Consul General in Seattle, pose for a photo during the unveiling event for the statue of Swami Vivekananda in downtown Seattle April 11, 2026. Scene from the unveiling ceremony of Swami Vivekananda’s statue in downtown Seattle April 11, 2026. PHOTOS:COURTESY ANI C ongressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, announced April 13, 2026, he is endorsing Jay Vaingankar for Congress (JayVaingankar.com) in New Jersey’s 12th District, backing the Gen Z candidate and former BidenWhite House official as a “results-driven leader.” The District 12 Democratic primaries are scheduled to be held June 2, and Vaingankar is one of at least 11 candi- dates vying for the party’s nomination. “In Congress, we need leaders who know how to get things done and who are ready to take on the challenges facing working families,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi is quoted saying in a press release fromVaingankar’s campaign. “From his track record expanding clean energy and working across the federal government to lower costs, Jay Vaingankar has the experience and the drive to deliver results. I am proud to endorse Jay Vaingankar for Congress, and I look forward to his leadership in our nation’s capital.” Vaingankar, a former BidenWhite House and Depart- ment of Energy official, helped implement the Inflation Reduction Act, which his campaign claims, brought mil- lions in clean energy tax credits for New Jersey. His agenda includes lowering the cost of living, bring- ing universal healthcare, and an end to “forever wars.” “I’m honored to have Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s support,” Vaingankar said. “He has built a reputation in Congress for delivering results, strengthening our economy, and standing up for working families. That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need more of inWash- ington. I’ve shown in this campaign that I won’t back down fromMAGA extremists like Laura Loomer, and I’ll bring that same willingness to stand up and fight for NJ- 12 in Congress.” Vaingankar recently announced his campaign has raised over $260,000 and makes the cut as one of five campaigns in the 11-person field to qualify for the na- tionally televised debate on April 26. The Gen-Z candidate has been endorsed by former U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, the Indian American Impact Fund, and AAPI Victory Fund, two leading groups supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander candidates across the country. PHOTO:FACEBOOK @JAYFORJERSEY A poster displaying the endorsement of NJ candidate for Congress Jay Vaingankar by Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. By a StaffWriter Senior House Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi Backs Gen-Z Leader Jay Vaingankar In Race For Congress