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18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention to begin in Bhubaneswar; PM Modi to inaugurate key events
The convention, themed "Diaspora’s Contribution to Viksit Bharat," aims to strengthen connections with the Indian diaspora and invite their partnership in India’s developmental journey.
18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas briefing / Image- MEA
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, organized by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, will take place in Bhubaneswar from Jan. 8 to 10.
The convention, themed "Diaspora’s Contribution to Viksit Bharat," aims to strengthen connections with the Indian diaspora and invite their partnership in India’s developmental journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the event on January 9 and remotely flag off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a tourist train dedicated to the diaspora. He will also address the gathering and inaugurate four exhibitions showcasing India's cultural heritage and diaspora contributions.
Convention itinerary
The convention will commence with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Jan.8, featuring an address by Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of media outlet Newsweek. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dr. S. Jaishankar and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and other dignitaries will participate. A plenary session on “Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalised World” will be chaired by Dr. Mandaviya.
On Jan.9, the Prime Minister will inaugurate exhibitions including "Vishwaroop Ram," highlighting the legacy of the Ramayana, and others focused on diaspora contributions, Odisha’s heritage, and migration stories from Gujarat to Oman. Two plenary sessions will explore themes such as diaspora skills and sustainable development.
The convention will conclude on Jan.10 with a valedictory session chaired by President Droupadi Murmu, who will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to 27 distinguished diaspora members from 24 countries.
Odisha Tourism
The government of Odisha has planned extensive activities for delegates, including tours of 21 tourist sites near Bhubaneswar, double-decker bus services, and cultural programs such as the Rajarani Music Festival and the Mukteshwar Dance Festival. A range of local cuisines will also be served.
Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary of Odisha, emphasized the state’s preparations, stating, “We aim to offer a comfortable and enriching experience for all delegates while showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural and historical legacy.”
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention has been held biennially since 2017, with the previous event hosted in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 2023. This year’s convention marks the first time Odisha is hosting the event, underscoring the government’s focus on Purvodaya—development of India’s eastern states.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA), noted, “The Indian diaspora acts as a living bridge between India and the world. This convention provides a platform to discuss their contributions and explore avenues for deeper engagement in India’s progress.”
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