The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will take place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8-10, 2025, marking a significant occasion for India to celebrate and strengthen its relationship with the global Indian community. The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, 2025, and will include a wide range of activities that highlight the contributions of the Indian diaspora in shaping India’s development and its global stature.
Inaugural Highlights and Chief Guest
The convention will begin with the much-anticipated opening address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also launch the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed for the Indian diaspora. This unique initiative is part of the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, aimed at offering diaspora members an opportunity to visit spiritual and cultural destinations across India.
A standout feature of the 18th PBD Convention is the presence of Christine Carla Kangaloo, the President of Trinidad and Tobago, who will participate virtually as the chief guest. Her involvement underscores the longstanding and evolving relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago, a nation with deep historical ties to India dating back to the arrival of indentured labourers from India in the 19th century. The Indian-origin community in Trinidad and Tobago has since grown to become the largest ethnic group, fostering strong cultural, economic, and diplomatic bonds between the two countries.
Significance of the PBD Convention
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is a key platform for engaging with over 30 million members of the Indian diaspora living in more than 100 countries. This year’s theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, focuses on the transformative role of the Indian diaspora in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. The event will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the diaspora and explore ways to further enhance its contributions to India’s growth across sectors such as technology, innovation, trade, and sustainable development.
Thematic Agenda and Exhibitions
The convention will feature a wide range of thematic sessions that address the diverse aspects of the diaspora’s impact on both India and the world. These sessions will include discussions on topics such as diaspora youth leadership, migrant skills, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. The five key plenary sessions are as follows:
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; and Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection, and Belongingness.
Each of these sessions will feature panel discussions with prominent diaspora experts, providing an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and explore how the global Indian community can contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive future for both India and the world.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate four special exhibitions during the convention:
• Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana: A cultural exhibition that showcases the timeless epic of the Ramayana through various art forms.
• Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat: A display recognizing the role of the diaspora in advancing technological innovations that benefit India and the world.
• Spread and Evolution of the Indian Diaspora: Featuring a special focus on the migration from Mandvi, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman, this exhibition offers a glimpse into the global movement of the Indian community.
• Heritage and Culture of Odisha: Highlighting the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Odisha, one of India’s most vibrant and historically significant states.
Youth Engagement and The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
The Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will take place on January 8, 2025, in partnership with India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This event will focus on the role of the youth in shaping the future of the Indian diaspora and India itself. Dr Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, will be the Guest of Honour at this event, sharing his insights on youth leadership and global engagement.
The convention will conclude with the Valedictory Session on January 10, 2025, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. During this session, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 will be presented to distinguished members of the diaspora for their outstanding contributions in various fields, both in India and abroad.
Why the 18th PBD Convention is Special
This year’s convention holds particular significance as it is being organized in Odisha, a state with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Odisha’s selection as the host state for the PBD Convention highlights its growing prominence on the national and international stage, making it an ideal setting for such a globally focused event.