18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention Set to Kick Off in Bhubaneswar from Jan 8-10
GG News Bureau
Bhubaneswar, 7th Jan. The much-anticipated 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is set to begin on January 8, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marking a significant milestone in India’s engagement with its global diaspora. Organized by the Government of India in partnership with the Odisha State Government, the event aims to strengthen ties between India and the Indian diaspora from over 50 countries. The theme for this year’s convention is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, which highlights the critical role of the Indian diaspora in the nation’s journey towards becoming a developed country.
The inaugural ceremony will take place on January 9, 2025, with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi officially inaugurating the event. In addition, H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, will address the convention virtually as the Chief Guest.
A special highlight of the convention will be the launch of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a tourist train designed exclusively for the Indian diaspora. The train, which will be flagged off by the Prime Minister, will journey across India for three weeks, covering tourist and religious destinations. This initiative is part of the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, a scheme by the Ministry of External Affairs aimed at connecting the diaspora with their cultural roots.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate four major exhibitions at the convention:
- Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana: An exhibition showcasing the timeless epic through a blend of traditional and contemporary art.
- Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat: Celebrating the achievements of the diaspora in technology and innovation.
- Spread and Evolution of the Indian Diaspora: Featuring rare documents on the migration of people from Mandvi, Gujarat to Muscat, Oman.
- Heritage and Culture of Odisha: A showcase of the rich cultural and artistic legacy of Odisha.
On January 10, 2025, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will preside over the valedictory session, where she will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 to selected members of the diaspora for their outstanding contributions across various sectors.
In addition to these key events, the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held on January 8, 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The session will feature Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, as the Guest of Honour.
The convention will also feature five thematic plenary sessions, each with panel discussions led by prominent diaspora experts:
- Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World
- Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills
- Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development
- Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti
- Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection and Belongingness
The event is significant not only for the sheer number of participants but also for its location in Odisha, which is known for its cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. This marks the first time the PBD Convention is being held in the state.
The 18th PBD Convention will be streamed live, making it accessible to a global audience via the official PBD India website and the MEA India YouTube channel.
For more details, visit: PBD India Website | MEA India YouTube.
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