The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention begins at Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Written By: Paramita Sarkar

Paramita Sarkar

Story-telling has been one of my favourite passtimes and when it is about travel, every other activity seems to fall short. I started my journey as a freelancer close to two decades ago having worked with various online portals inclduding Sambhar Stories, Thirllophilia and so on. Down the years, life has rewarded me with experiences, only adding to my writing practice. Even though teaching has been my primary profession and passion, choosing the job of a travel journalist was not quite dilemmatic when selected by the esteemed editorial team of Travel And Tour World. Knowing and letting readers know about the quaint yet intriguing desintions across the globe through writing is something I always cherish and put in my best endeavour to.

See Full Bio

January 8, 2025 14:27 GMT+5:30

Image generated with Ai

The 18^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention commenced on Wednesday in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with over 5,000 delegates from India and abroad expected to participate in the three-day event.

The gathering celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora and aims to strengthen ties between India and its global community.

The event began with the inauguration of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandviya, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the inaugural session on Thursday, while President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on Friday, during which she will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to honor distinguished members of the diaspora.

Key Highlights and Speeches

Addressing the diaspora, S. Jaishankar urged young Indian-origin individuals to promote India as a global tourism destination, emphasizing the nation’s rich heritage and culture.

Highlighting the government’s transformative initiatives since 2014, he mentioned campaigns like Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Ayushman Bharat, which aim to empower youth and improve quality of life.

“India has demonstrated resilience and innovation, from pandemic recovery to advancements in space technology like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1, and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission,” Jaishankar stated.

He also praised India’s digital infrastructure, citing the widespread adoption of UPI and the nation’s burgeoning ecosystem of 90,000 startups and over 100 unicorns.

Youth Affairs Minister Mansukh Mandviya called on the diaspora to align with India’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by contributing to its global progress.

Chief Minister Majhi welcomed the diaspora with open arms, expressing pride in their achievements abroad.

Focus on Odisha

Highlighting Odisha’s cultural richness, Jaishankar noted the state’s religious, archaeological, and cultural heritage.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasized Odisha’s efforts to showcase its unique traditions and attractions, encouraging delegates to act as ambassadors for the state’s tourism.

Residents of Bhubaneswar were asked to decorate their homes and businesses to create a festive atmosphere.

Special Guests and Themes

The theme for this year’s convention is Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat. President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago, the event’s chief guest, will address the gathering virtually.

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Arun Kumar Chatterjee highlighted the diaspora’s vital role as a “living bridge” between India and the world, with 35.4 million members, including 19.5 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 15.8 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

Security and Preparations

To ensure safety and smooth operations, around 2,700 police personnel and 1,200 central forces have been deployed in Bhubaneswar.

The Odisha government has also called on residents and businesses to enhance the city’s festive ambiance, making the convention a memorable experience for visitors. The last edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

This year’s event promises to strengthen connections between India and its global diaspora, reinforcing their shared cultural and developmental goals.

Related Searches:

Odisha: Bhubaneswar Hosts Prestigious Diaspora 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Conclave

18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Odisha Showcases Culture and Tourism to Global NRIs

Temple Walks in Odisha: A Journey Through Ancient Spirituality and Luxury Accommodations in India’s Timeless State

Record Participation Expected at Odisha’s Inaugural Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conclave