Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention on January 9 in Bhubaneswar. The event, meant to strengthen bonds with the Indian diaspora, will focus on the theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”.
The chief guest for the event is President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago, who will deliver a virtual address. Closing this convention is President Droupadi Murmu on 10th January by valedictory speech and will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards?
18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: All you need to know
These prestigious awards recognize outstanding contributions to social work, humanitarian efforts, and strengthening India’s presence across the globe. This year, 27 individuals and organizations from countries such as the US, Fiji, Russia, and Saudi Arabia will also be honored.
The three-day event opens on January 8 with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a confluence of young Indians abroad. Leading entrepreneurs, economists, and business leaders from the Indian diaspora will represent some 50-plus countries.
The PBD convention offers the platform to debate major policy issues of significance to non-resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin. Matters such as reforms in visas, investment opportunities, and welfare measures will be center of discussion. Exhibitions would feature rising India’s role in technology inputs by diaspora, including the one called ‘Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana’.
India’s overseas community continues to shape its global narrative with a diaspora of 35.4 million. Countries like the UAE, with over 3.5 million NRIs, and the US, home to over 2 million PIOs, are prime examples of these critical ties.
The event highlights the role of the diaspora in bridging nations and its commitment to India’s growth. Celebrating the connection will inspire overseas Indians to play a more relevant part in constructing a developed India.
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