Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Jan. The city of Bhubaneswar, steeped in historical and cultural richness, is set to host the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention from January 8 to 10, 2025. This flagship event, organized by the Government of Bharat in partnership with the Odisha State Government, provides a vital platform for fostering connections between Bharat and its global diaspora. With participants from over 50 countries, this year’s convention will highlight the invaluable contributions of the diaspora under the theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing their role in building a developed Bharat.
As the first-ever Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha, this convention is not only a celebration of the diaspora’s achievements but also an opportunity to showcase the state’s illustrious heritage and its growing significance in Bharat’s developmental journey.
Odisha’s Moment in the Spotlight
Hosting the PBD Convention in Odisha is a testament to the state’s unique historical and cultural significance. Known as the land of temples and home to the architectural marvels of the Sun Temple in Konark and the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha embodies the spirit of Bharat’s ancient legacy and modern aspirations.
The choice of Bhubaneswar as the venue aligns with the event’s focus on blending heritage with progress. The exhibition “Heritage and Culture of Odisha” will showcase the state’s rich traditions, crafts, and cultural legacy, bringing global attention to its artistic excellence and spiritual depth.
Highlights of the Convention
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention promises to be a comprehensive celebration of the Bharatiya diaspora’s impact across various fields. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the main event on January 9, and President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on January 10.
One of the key attractions is the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for diaspora members. This train, departing from Delhi’s Nizamuddin Railway Station, will take passengers on a three-week journey to destinations of touristic and religious significance. Operated under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, it symbolizes the government’s commitment to fostering cultural connections between diaspora members and their ancestral homeland.
Additionally, the convention will feature four thematic exhibitions:
- Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana, which will juxtapose traditional and modern artistic interpretations of the Ramayana.
- Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat, celebrating the diaspora’s role in advancing global technology and Bharat’s development.
- The Spread and Evolution of the Bharatiya Diaspora, with a special focus on the historical migration route from Mandvi, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman.
- Heritage and Culture of Odisha, highlighting the state’s contributions to Bharat’s cultural and spiritual legacy.
The event will also feature five thematic plenary sessions addressing key issues such as sustainable development, women’s leadership, and the role of the diaspora in a globalized world.
Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Shaping Future Leaders
A key segment of the PBD Convention is the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 8, which aims to engage young members of the diaspora. With Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, as the Guest of Honour, the session will focus on empowering diaspora youth and encouraging them to take leadership roles in an interconnected world.
By emphasizing themes like “Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World,” this platform seeks to inspire the younger generation to strengthen ties with their roots while contributing to global progress.
Recognizing Excellence: Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
One of the most anticipated moments of the convention is the conferring of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025. These awards recognize members of the diaspora for their outstanding achievements and contributions to their fields, both in Bharat and abroad. President Murmu will present these prestigious honors during the valedictory session.
By celebrating the achievements of the diaspora, the awards serve to motivate others to strengthen their engagement with Bharat, furthering the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”
A Platform for Dialogue and Connection
The 18th PBD Convention is not merely an event; it is a bridge between Bharat and its diaspora. The thematic plenary sessions provide a space for meaningful dialogue, bringing together eminent experts to discuss topics ranging from sustainable development to stories of culture and belongingness.
These discussions aim to explore how the diaspora can continue contributing to Bharat’s development while strengthening their connections to their heritage. Particularly noteworthy is the session on “Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development,” which aligns with Bharat’s broader environmental and sustainability goals.
Strengthening Diaspora Engagement
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention underscores the importance of the Bharatiya diaspora as a powerful force for global influence. As Bharat positions itself as a global leader, the role of the diaspora becomes increasingly significant. The diaspora’s contributions to technology, business, culture, and diplomacy have not only enhanced Bharat’s global image but have also driven progress within the country.
Events like PBD foster a sense of belonging among diaspora members, encouraging them to participate in Bharat’s developmental journey. By providing platforms for dialogue and collaboration, these conventions build stronger connections and pave the way for collective progress.
Hosting the event in Odisha further enriches the narrative by spotlighting Bharat’s regional diversity. It highlights how Bharat’s cultural wealth is integral to its global identity, making the diaspora not just contributors to progress but also ambassadors of Bharatiya heritage.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Heritage and Progress
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is a celebration of Bharat’s enduring ties with its diaspora. By uniting members from over 50 countries, it exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, cultural pride, and shared aspirations for a “Viksit Bharat.”
As Bhubaneswar gears up to welcome the world, the event not only reinforces Bharat’s commitment to its diaspora but also showcases its ability to harmonize tradition with modernity. Through initiatives like the Pravasi Bharatiya Express and thematic plenary sessions, the convention offers a blueprint for future engagement, ensuring that the diaspora remains an integral part of Bharat’s growth story.
In Odisha’s vibrant cultural setting, the 18th PBD Convention will serve as a testament to the enduring bond between Bharat and its global community, reflecting the ethos of a nation that thrives on its diversity, heritage, and vision for the future.
The post Building Bridges: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 Showcases Diaspora’s Role in a Viksit Bharat appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
