Odisha Set To Host Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

BHUBANESWAR: Delegates from the global Indian diaspora have arrived in Bhubaneswar to participate in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, which begins on Wednesday.

The event, organized by the Centre, serves as a major platform to connect and engage the diaspora and facilitate interaction among participants. This year marks the first time the PBD is being hosted in Odisha, with the state preparing to highlight its rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that delegates from over 50 countries have registered for the event. The Odisha government has planned two plenary sessions for Wednesday: "Unravelling India’s Best Kept Secret" and "Odisha, a Land of Opportunities." These sessions will be addressed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, and other distinguished speakers. The sessions will focus on showcasing the potential of the Indian diaspora in Odisha, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as tourism, trade, textiles, healthcare, pharma, and startups.

The theme of this year’s PBD Convention is "Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat" (a developed India). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the convention on Thursday and will also address the attendees, alongside a virtual address from the chief guest, Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago. Following the inauguration, PM Modi will flag off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the diaspora, which will embark on a three-week journey across India to visit key tourist and religious sites.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate four exhibitions during the convention: "Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana," "Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat," "Spread and Evolution of the Indian Diaspora in the World, with Special Focus on Mandvi to Muscat," and "Heritage and Culture of Odisha."

On January 10, President Droupadi Murmu will chair the valedictory session, where she will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 to 27 distinguished members of the Indian diaspora. These awards will recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of the diaspora in various fields, both in India and abroad.

In addition to the plenary sessions, the convention will feature five thematic discussions covering topics such as diaspora youth leadership, migrant skills, sustainable development, women’s leadership (Nari Shakti), and cultural connections. These sessions will include panel discussions with prominent diaspora experts.