The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is set to take place from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marking a significant occasion for the Indian diaspora. This biennial event, also known as NRI Day, is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) towards India's development.
Theme and Significance
The theme for this year’s PBD is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (विकसित भारत की संकल्पना में प्रवासी भारतीयों का योगदान). This theme has been highlighted to be the prime role of the Indian diaspora in shaping a developed India, which is according to the government's vision of a Viksit Bharat. The event not only honours the achievements of NRIs but also tries to bring out dialogue on how they can further contribute to India's growth in various sectors.
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Venue and Inauguration
For the first time, Bhubaneswar is going to host this prestigious event, using rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure to welcome participants from all over the world. The convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, coinciding with the historical significance of this date, which marks Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa in 1915. The Chief Guest for this year's event will be Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad & Tobago, who will address attendees virtually.
Event Schedule
The three-day convention will feature a variety of activities aimed at engaging the diaspora. The first day, January 8, will be dedicated to the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This segment will focus on youth leadership and empowerment, with notable speakers including Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek.
Five thematic plenary sessions on the following themes will be held throughout the convention:
- 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
- Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection and Belongingness
These sessions are to be used for the discussion of experts and participants on the diaspora's role in different dimensions of development.
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Awards and Recognition
Among the many attractive features of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, one is the presentation of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. This is an appreciation for outstanding contributions by members of the Indian diaspora. They will be bestowed upon the beneficiaries by the President of India on the occasion of the convention itself.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 promises to be an enriching experience for the participants in this regard. As the conclave is about cooperation and development, this convention is going to be more than a celebration of the past contributions it has made and pave the way for future engagements between India and its global citizens. As Bhubaneswar welcomes the NRIs from more than 50 countries with open arms, it testifies to India's resolve to nourish its diaspora community and reap the potential they hold for the development of the nation.
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