Odisha:
In a grand ceremony held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, a flagship event of the Government of India. This significant gathering, organized in collaboration with the Odisha state government, aims to strengthen the bond between India and its global diaspora.
Upon his arrival in Bhubaneswar on January 8, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The event marks a special occasion, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915.
During his address, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, stating that it has become an institution to fortify the ties between India and its diaspora. He highlighted the festive atmosphere prevailing in India, with upcoming events like the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and the festivals of Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu. PM Modi also acknowledged the significance of this edition, coming after the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision was instrumental in shaping this program.
The Prime Minister also launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed for the Indian diaspora under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana. This initiative will allow diaspora members to visit various spiritual and cultural destinations across India over a period of three weeks.
The 18th PBD Convention features a robust agenda, including five thematic plenary sessions such as “Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World,” “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills,” and “Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development.” These sessions will be chaired by Union Ministers and moderated by eminent experts.
The event also includes the inauguration of four exhibitions, one of which is “Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana,” showcasing the epic through traditional and contemporary art forms. The Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held on January 8, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of External Affairs, with Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, as the guest of honor.
President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on January 10, where she will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 upon select members of the Indian diaspora to recognize their achievements and contributions. The chief guest of the event is Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, who will address the convention virtually.
