Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the event on January 9 and launch the Pravasi Bharatiya Express tourist train
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will take place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025, with participation expected from Indian diaspora members representing over 50 countries. The event, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Odisha government, will celebrate the contributions of the diaspora and strengthen their engagement with India, reported indianewsnetwork.com.
A platform for global diaspora engagement and recognition
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the convention on January 9, while Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago, will address the gathering virtually. In a special initiative, PM Modi will remotely flag off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a tourist train under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana. This train will embark on a three-week journey from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi, visiting significant religious and cultural sites across India.
Highlights of the Convention
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Exhibitions: Four exhibitions will showcase the legacy of the Ramayana, diaspora contributions to technology, the migration history from Mandvi to Muscat, and Odisha’s cultural heritage.
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Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Scheduled for January 8, featuring Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, as the Guest of Honour.
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Plenary Sessions: Five sessions will focus on themes such as youth leadership, sustainability, women’s influence, and cultural connections.
Valedictory Session and Awards
President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on January 10, presenting the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 to distinguished diaspora members in recognition of their contributions to India and the global community.
Significance of Odisha as the Venue
This marks the first time the PBD Convention is being hosted in Odisha, a state known for its rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage. The 17th edition of the convention was held in Indore in 2023.
Theme and Vision
The theme of this year’s convention is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” underscoring the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in shaping a prosperous and developed India.
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