Explanation of 6,000 NRIs Set to Attend Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Celebrations in Odisha
Bhubaneshwar:
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrations have begun in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with over 6,000 non-resident Indians (NRIs) from 75 countries participating in the convention over the next three days. This event is a significant occasion for New Delhi to strengthen its relationship with the global Indian community and celebrate their contributions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event on January 9, which will feature a variety of activities highlighting India’s global engagement and the diaspora’s role in shaping the nation’s future. The theme of the 2025 PBD Convention is ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’.
Launch of Pravasi Bharatiya Express
During the event, Prime Minister Modi will launch the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed for the Indian diaspora. This initiative is part of the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, which aims to provide diaspora members with an opportunity to visit spiritual and cultural destinations across India.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is the government’s flagship event celebrated on January 9 every year since 2003 to honor the Overseas Indian community’s contributions to India’s development. The date was chosen because on January 9, 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, marking the day he led India’s freedom struggle.
The PBD conventions serve as a platform for the government to engage with overseas Indians from various countries on important issues concerning the Indian Diaspora, providing networking opportunities for participants.
Objectives of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
The PBD aims to strengthen the connections between the Government of India and the Indian diaspora worldwide, promoting a sense of belonging and shared identity. It also celebrates the diaspora’s contributions in fields such as economics, culture, and politics to both India and their host countries.
Additionally, the event facilitates dialogue between the Indian government and overseas Indians on policy issues like visa regulations, investment opportunities, and community welfare.
Format Of PBD Convention
Since 2015, the format of the PBD Convention has been revised to be held biennially, with participation from overseas diaspora experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. The event is organized in partnership with a state government that hosts the convention, allowing the state to showcase its strengths to the diaspora and attract investment.
Past conventions have been held in partnership with states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with the 18th edition currently taking place in Bhubaneshwar.
Vibrant Indian Community Abroad
The Indian diaspora, consisting of 35.4 million individuals, has made significant contributions globally, with the USA and UAE hosting large numbers of persons of Indian origin and non-resident Indians. The Ministry of External Affairs engages with the diaspora through events, conferences, and welfare schemes to promote ties with their homeland.