TV
For the first time, Bhubaneswar, Odisha hosted the prestigious 18th edition of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. The Temple city welcomed Indian diaspora from across several parts of the globe, giving them a glimpse of the vibrant culture and rich history of Odisha.
The guests were greeted with lotus flowers as elaborate arrangements were made to welcome everyone at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. Around 5,000 delegates from different corners of the world attended the grand convention.
The three-day convention, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, featured a variety of activities to enthrall the diaspora. A global confluence of cultures, the mega event celebrated the contribution of the Indian diaspora to the growth and development of the nation.
Every year, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas engages with the Indian diaspora globally, fostering stronger connections and showcasing opportunities for collaboration. This year’s theme for PBD was ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’. The event, also known as NRI Day, also marked Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa in 1915.
As the mega event is all set to wrap up today, let’s take a sneak peek into what all happened in the mega convention.
Day 1 of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
The 18th edition of the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Divas officially commenced on January 8 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. The annual conference was inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar.
The opening day set the stage for a diverse audience comprising officials, industry leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora, recognised as significant contributors to India's socio-economic landscape.
The Odisha government hosted two plenary sessions -- 'Unravelling India's Best Kept Secret' and 'Odisha, a Land of Opportunities' -- that was addressed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and several other key dignitaries.
Odisha CM's Speech:
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, who kick-started the 18th edition of PBD, invited NRIs to explore Odisha’s natural beauty, including the architectural grandeur of the Konark Sun Temple and the spiritual aura of the Jagannath Temple in Puri during his speech.
He expressed hope that by reinforcing bonds with Odisha, NRIs could aid to the development of the state and the nation. “I extend an open invitation to reconnect with your roots and rediscover the magic of Odisha. Whether it is through cultural exchanges, business ventures, or educational collaborations, we welcome your ideas, investments, and entrepreneurship,” the CM stated in his speech.
“Together, we can become stronger and work towards a developed India (Viksit Bharat),” he concluded, instilling a sense of unity and collaboration among those present.
EAM S Jaishankar Speech:
In his address, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lauded Odisha and its youth who are filled with energy and optimism.
“This state (Odisha) offers a tremendous opportunity to experience personally much of what we would be discussing in the course of the PBD. Its cultural festivals and religious and archaeological sites is a reminder of why we in India consider ourselves to be a civilizational society,” said Jaishankar.
Day 2 of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
The PBD Convention was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday i.e. January 9 and also featured a virtual address by the Chief Guest, Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
After the inauguration, PM Modi remotely flagged-off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora, which departed from the Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and would travel to multiple destinations of touristic and religious importance in India for a period of three weeks.
Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated four exhibitions at the convention, including 'Vishwaroop Ram - The Universal Legacy of Ramayana'; 'Diaspora's Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat'; 'Spread and Evolution of Indian diaspora in the world with special focus on ‘Mandvi to Muscat'; and, 'Heritage and Culture of Odisha'.
PM Modi Speech:
Highlighting the significance of India's democratic ethos, PM Modi remarked, "India is not just the 'mother of democracy,' but democracy is ingrained in our way of life."
"Together, we celebrate India, Indian-ness, our culture, progress, and our roots," he said.
Highlighting Odisha’s heritage, PM Modi said, "This land reflects India's rich legacy, with sites like the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, the Konark Temple, and ancient ports such as Tamralipti and Manikpatna. These treasures evoke immense pride."
It is because of this that India sends a message that the future is not in yuddha (war), but in ‘Buddha’ (the Lord who symbolises peace),” said PM Modi.
Day 3 of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
With the mega event all set to draw curtains today, President Droupadi Murmu on the third day will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards during the valedictory session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar.
The Samman will be the major highlight of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD). As many as 27 individuals and organisations will be honoured this year, from countries like the US, Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, Moldova, Myanmar, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
The awardees include Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar from the UK (in the field of politics), Dr Sharmila Ford from the US for community service, and Dr Syed Anwar Khursheed from Saudi Arabia (in the field of Medical Science).
This prestigious honour is conferred upon Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin, or organisations established and run by them. The PBSA recognises outstanding achievements in various fields and celebrates the accomplishments and commitments of NRIs and PIOs in sectors such as education, science and innovation, trade and industry, arts and culture, social work, public service, and philanthropy.
The President will also present her closing remarks at the convention today which began on January 8. She will grace the occasion for more than five hours and subsequently, return to New Delhi this afternoon.
Earlier on the day, a session on ‘Nari Shakti’ was held. It will be followed by a special discussion on how to present Indian culture in the world stage.
Other Major Events To Enthrall India Diaspora:
* At Ekamra Park, a five-day flower exhibition was organised to captivate visitors with a stunning array of blossoms. The highlight of the event was the Cactus House, anticipated to be a major attraction for non-resident Indians (NRIs).
* The Park Festival has commenced in Bhubaneswar, featuring mesmerizing music fountains and laser shows across various parks. These activities provide a unique platform to celebrate Odisha's artistic heritage while showcasing the state's traditions to educate and engage the visiting NRIs.
* To enhance efforts in showcasing the state’s culture and traditions, the Odisha State Museum also extended its operating hours until 9 PM. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi inaugurated nine new galleries, including the Odisha Ivory Gallery, Zoology, Geology and Mining, Odisha Tribal, and Handloom galleries. These additions provide visitors with an immersive experience, offering a deeper insight into the state’s diverse cultural heritage.
* To ensure seamless mobility for attendees, the Chief Minister has also launched an e-bus service comprising 5 double-decker buses, 10 hop-on-hop-off buses, and 25 buses operated by the Puri Srimandir administration.
* Besides, celebrations are continuing with the Rajarani Music Festival at the Rajarani Temple, the Mukteswar Dance Festival 2025 at the Mukteswar Temple, and the Folk Dance Festival at the state museum, all running until January 11. On the other hand, the International Odissi Dance Festival also took place at Rabindra Mandap.
* Similarly, at the Exhibition Ground, the Tribal Fair is drawing attention to the unique art, culture, and traditions of tribal communities from Odisha and educating attendees about their life, culture, and traditions.
Through these initiatives, the Odisha government not just welcomed NRIs but also weaved a cultural tapestry that proudly reflected the state’s heritage.
