Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The event, being held from January 8 to 10, 2025, has gathered members of the Indian diaspora from over 50 countries. The theme for this year’s convention is "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat."

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and provides a platform for the Indian diaspora to engage, share experiences, and discuss ways to contribute to India's development. The event is being held in collaboration with the Odisha state government. Key figures present at the event included Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The Indian diaspora is a term used to describe people who have migrated from the Republic of India, or who are Indian citizens living abroad. The term includes: Non-resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

The event commenced with a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Kej. During his address, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora in India’s global rise. In his address, Jaishankar also praised Odisha’s cultural heritage, citing landmarks such as the Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple, and Konark Temple. He noted Odisha's role in India’s ‘Act East’ policy, highlighting the state's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the event was welcomed by attendees, including Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Award for his community service in medical services. Dr. Khursheed, who has worked in Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Hospital and National Guard Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and his excitement at meeting the Prime Minister.

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PM Narendra Modi being greeted by Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the inauguration of ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas'. | PTI
PM Narendra Modi being greeted by Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the inauguration of ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas'. | PTI

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention provides an opportunity for the diaspora to network, exchange ideas, and contribute to India’s growth. As part of the convention, Prime Minister Modi virtually flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora. The train will travel to multiple cultural and religious destinations across India.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, first established in 2003, has evolved into a biennial event. It serves as an important platform for recognizing the achievements of the Indian diaspora and fostering collaboration between India and its global community.