Large delegations from the Indian diaspora across 50 countries are set to participate in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. The convention is part of the ongoing three-day Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which began on Wednesday in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), participants from over 50 nations have registered for the PBD Convention. As the flagship event of the Indian government, it serves as a vital platform for the diaspora to connect with their roots and engage with one another. This is the first time that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being held in Odisha. The state has made extensive preparations to highlight its rich historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage.
Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for entrusting Odisha with the responsibility of hosting the prestigious event. He emphasized the importance of the ‘Look East’ policy, stating that India’s development is linked to the progress of its eastern regions.
On Wednesday, key dignitaries, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, delivered their addresses. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that over 5,000 NRIs are expected to participate in the event. Delegates will visit 21 selected sites across Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Jajpur, promoting Odisha as a destination for international tourism.
Several diaspora members expressed their excitement and gratitude ahead of the event. Amit Kumar, representing the Bhojpuri Association of Singapore, praised the Prime Minister’s message and the government’s vision. Revathi Pillay from South Africa expressed pride in India’s advancements in IT and technology. Mohammed Farooqui from the USA highlighted the platform’s role in connecting NRIs worldwide. Daljit Singh from the USA thanked Prime Minister Modi for initiatives benefiting the Sikh community. Surender Ahlawat from Qatar emphasized the importance of continuity in governance policies. Amma Haider from the UAE highlighted the emotional significance of the event, comparing it to a mother inviting her children back home. Sarabjit Singh Dhillon from Australia expressed his desire to return to India after witnessing its growth over the past decade.
The PBD Convention, themed ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,’ will feature a virtual address by Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, as the Chief Guest. After the inauguration, PM Modi will remotely flag off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the diaspora. The train will depart from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and travel to various tourist and religious sites in India over three weeks.
President Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on January 10, during which the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 will be conferred upon 27 distinguished diaspora members from 24 countries, recognizing their achievements and contributions in various fields, both in India and abroad.
