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Large delegations from the Indian diaspora in 50 countries are expected to attend the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, which will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
The conference is part of the ongoing three-day Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which began on Wednesday in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), over 50 countries have registered for the PBD Convention. As the Indian government’s main event, it provides a vital venue for the diaspora to reconnect with their roots and interact with one another.
This is the first time the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention has been hosted in Odisha. The state has made extensive efforts to showcase its rich historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage.
Speaking to IANS, Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo thanked Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for entrusting Odisha with the duty of hosting the renowned event.
“Under the ‘Look East’ policy, the Prime Minister has maintained that until the east rises, India will not be developed. And under this policy, he has given this opportunity to Odisha. I believe that through this, not only India but Odisha will also progress,” Singh Deo said.
On Wednesday, key dignitaries, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, and others also delivered their address.
According to Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, the event is likely to attract more than 5,000 NRIs. Delegates will visit 21 selected sites in Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Jajpur to promote Odisha as a worldwide tourism destination.
Speaking with IANS, several diaspora members expressed their joy and thanks for the event.
Amit Kumar, a delegate who represents the Bhojpuri Association of Singapore, told IANS, “I am an Indian and have been living and working in Singapore for the last 16 years. It is a very pleasant thing that the Prime Minister’s message reached us, and I am sure this message is spreading globally. The government’s vision is clear and reaches grassroots levels, which is rare.”
Revathi Pillay from South Africa said, “I would like to say to every single Indian that I am incredibly proud of you. When I read about India’s advancements in IT and technology, it inspires me. India will always be my motherland.” She added that Prime Minister Modi’s story has inspired her to work with youth as a leader.
Mohammed Farooqui, a delegate from the USA, praised the platform for its role in connecting NRIs worldwide. “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas allows us to showcase the accomplishments of Indians living abroad,” he said.
Daljit Singh, another delegate from the USA, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for initiatives benefiting the Sikh community, such as the removal of GST on Harmandir Sahib and the establishment of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor.
Surender Ahlawat from Qatar emphasised the importance of continuity in governance policies.
“The current trajectory indicates progress. Sustaining these policies for at least another decade will solidify their impact,” he remarked.
Amma Haider, representing the UAE, highlighted the emotional significance of the event.
“A mother whose children are scattered all over invites them back home. This event feels like that,” she said.
Sarabjit Singh Dhillon from Australia said, “This is my first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Over the last 10 years, since PM Modi became Prime Minister, I have witnessed India’s growth. It makes me want to return to India.”
The PBD Convention, entitled ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,’ will also include a virtual address from Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, as the Chief Guest.
Following the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi will remotely launch the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a unique tourist train for the diaspora. The train will depart from Delhi’s Nizamuddin Railway Station and proceed to major tourist and religious destinations across India during a three-week period.
President Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on January 10, where 27 prominent diaspora members from 24 nations will receive the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025. The awards honour their achievements and services in a variety of sectors, both in India and overseas.
Source: IANS
