Finance
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Bhubaneswar on Thursday evening to attend the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention.
When she arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport on a special Indian Air Force aircraft, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and other dignitaries greeted her graciously.
The President then went to Raj Bhavan, where she is planned to spend overnight. On January 10, she will deliver the three-day event’s valedictory address and present the coveted Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA) to members of the Indian diaspora for their outstanding accomplishments in a variety of sectors.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has already announced this year’s awardees, who “represent the excellence achieved by our diaspora in various domains.”
Honorees include Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar of the United Kingdom for her political contributions and Dr. Sharmila Ford of the United States for her community work. Institutions founded by non-resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin (PIOs) are also among the recipients.
The PBSA is the highest distinction granted on overseas Indians in recognition of their great achievements both in India and abroad. The honorees for 2025 were suggested by a Jury-cum-Awards Committee and chosen for their outstanding work.
President Murmu will deliver the honors as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, a major event held yearly to recognize the accomplishments of NRIs and PIOs.
