The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, a flagship event hosted by the Government of India, is set to take place from January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This year’s theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, aims to highlight the invaluable role of the Indian diaspora in the progress and development of both India and the global community. Over 50 countries are represented, with a large number of members from the Indian diaspora already registered to participate.
The convention, organized in collaboration with the State Government of Odisha, will kick off with an inauguration by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on January 9, 2025. A special highlight of the event will be a virtual address by the Chief Guest, H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
One of the major features of the PBD Convention will be the launch of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora. The Prime Minister will remotely flag off this inaugural journey, which will depart from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi. Over the course of three weeks, the train will visit several culturally and spiritually significant destinations across India, under the Ministry of External Affairs’ Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
Key Exhibitions at the PBD Convention
Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate four major exhibitions at the event, showcasing India’s cultural heritage, technological achievements, and the global Indian diaspora’s historical and modern contributions:
- Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana: This exhibition will present the timeless epic of Ramayana through a blend of traditional and contemporary art forms, illustrating its influence across cultures.
- Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat: Acknowledging the Indian diaspora’s significant role in the advancement of global technology, this exhibition will celebrate their contributions to innovation and development.
- Spread and Evolution of the Indian Diaspora – From Mandvi to Muscat: This unique exhibition will trace the migration of people from Mandvi (Gujarat) to Muscat (Oman) with rare documents, highlighting the historical ties between India and the Gulf region.
- Heritage and Culture of Odisha: In keeping with the host state’s rich legacy, this exhibition will showcase Odisha’s diverse cultural and artistic traditions, celebrating the state’s deep spiritual and cultural heritage.
Valedictory Session and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
The Valedictory Session of the 18th PBD Convention will be presided over by Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on January 10, 2025. During this session, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 will be conferred upon distinguished members of the Indian diaspora, recognizing their exceptional achievements in various fields both in India and abroad.
Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
In a special segment dedicated to the next generation, the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held on January 8, 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, will be the Guest of Honour, addressing issues concerning youth leadership, empowerment, and engagement in the globalized world.
Thematic Plenary Sessions
The 18th PBD Convention will feature five thematic plenary sessions designed to explore key issues facing the diaspora:
- “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”
- “Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti”
- “Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection, and Belongingness”
These plenary sessions will include panel discussions with eminent experts from the diaspora community, addressing a wide array of topics relevant to global Indian citizens.
A Historic Event in Odisha
This year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention holds special significance as it marks the first time the event is being hosted in the state of Odisha, renowned for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The 17th edition of the PBD Convention was held in 2023 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Digital Access for Global Participation
For those unable to attend in person, the 18th PBD Convention will be webcast live through the official PBD website (https://www.pbdindia.gov.in) and the Ministry of External Affairs’ YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/MEAIndia), ensuring that members of the global Indian diaspora can participate in this historic event from anywhere in the world.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is set to be a vibrant celebration of the Indian diaspora’s remarkable contributions to global development and India’s path toward becoming a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). The convention provides an invaluable platform for dialogue, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the enduring bonds between India and its global citizens.