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Cupertino’s ‘Indian sister city’ to honor NRIs at Pravasi Divas
Reena Rao, co-founder and President of the Cupertino Bhubaneswar Sister City Initiative, will be attending the event in Odisha.
Reena Rao. / Courtesy Photo
Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, the sister city of Cupertino in California, is hosting the 18th Pravasi Divas from Jan.8 to Jan.10. Invited to attend the Pravasi Divas by the Consulate General of India San Francisco is Reena Rao, co-founder and President of the Cupertino Bhubaneswar Sister City Initiative (CBSCI).
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), held once every two years, celebrates the achievements and contributions of non-resident Indians (NRIs) to their world.
“As I prepare to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I would like to emphasize the importance of government and corporate support for sister city initiatives. These programs play a crucial role in promoting tourism and cultural exchange, ultimately strengthening the bonds between India and the United States at a grassroots level,” Rao said.
Rao had recently traveled to Bhubaneswar with the Mayor of Cupertino, Sheila Mohan. The Mayor of Bhubaneswar Sulochana Das and Mayor Mohan held discussions aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two cities. The focus was on enhancing cooperation in the fields of technology, tourism, and cultural exchange. With Cupertino being home to Apple’s headquarters and a hub for technology, both mayors emphasized how Odisha could benefit from collaboration in these sectors.
“I would like to highlight our organization's role in strengthening ties between the two sister cities of Cupertino and Bhubaneswar since our establishment through an MOU in 2012,” said Rao.
Cupertino and Bhubaneswar were officially designated as sister cities in 2012 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding by former Cupertino Mayor Gilbert Wong and Bhubaneswar Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.
Rao had recently traveled to Bhubaneswar with the Mayor of Cupertino, Sheila Mohan. / Courtesy PhotoCupertino Bhubaneswar Sister City Initiative
The two cities hold programs to promote each other’s culture. Educational initiatives through high school student exchanges and cultural arts exchange programs happen between the two cities. For instance, the Youth Leadership Summit is an immersive program for young leaders. The Summit equips participants with essential leadership and professional development skills. Community events including Konark Festival - a Heritage India Fair, US-India Virtual Symposium and Odisha Day celebrations are annual festivals celebrated by Cupertino residents. Tourism promotion including traditional handlooms and crafts are held.
“What makes our initiative unique is its inclusive approach - we welcome participation from both Indian and American communities, extending beyond just the Odia and Indian diaspora,” she said. This broad-based engagement has helped establish strong, friendly relations and healthy collaboration between the citizens of both cities, added Rao.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2025
The theme of the 18th PBD Convention 2025 is "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat". The Viksit Bharat @2047 initiative envisions India as a developed nation by the centenary of its independence in 2047. This transformative roadmap emphasizes inclusive development, sustainable progress, and effective governance.
Five Plenary Sessions are planned, said Rao, who is looking forward to attending them. She hopes to meet people and forge relationships to further help strengthen the sister city initiative. The conference will have plenary sessions on Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection, and Belongingness; 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; and Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women's Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti.
Tourism promotes cultural exchange
The delegates to this year's PBD will have the opportunity to sample the Odisha government’s efforts at sustainable tourism and responsible community engagement. Rao is looking forward to joining the tour of Dhauli Shanti Stupa – a monument dedicated to non-violence, the ancient Khandagiri- Udayagiri Caves, and the serene Diamond Triangle Buddhist Circuit. The majestic Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further showcases the state's rich heritage and architectural brilliance.
There will be an opportunity to engage in global cultural exchange, promote peace, and mutual understanding among travellers.
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Reena Rao with Ro Khanna. / Courtesy Photo
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