New Delhi: The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention began on Wednesday in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. Over 5,000 delegates from India and around the world are taking part in the convention. The three-day event is designed to be a major platform for networking and discussions on strengthening ties between India and its overseas community. The convention which began first in 2003 celebrates the achievements and contributions of the Indian diaspora.
The opening ceremony began with the inauguration of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. It was attended by external affairs minister S Jaishankar, youth affairs and sports minister Mansukh Mandviya, and Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the inaugural session on Thursday, while President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on Friday. During the event, President Murmu will also confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman upon members of the Indian diaspora.
The theme for this year’s convention is ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), and Trinidad and Tobago president Christine Carla Kangaloo is the chief guest. She will address the convention virtually.
Distinguished participants:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- President Droupadi Murmu
- External affairs minister S Jaishankar
- Youth affairs and sports minister Mansukh Mandviya
- Trinidad and Tobago president Christine Carla Kangaloo
- Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi
- Ministry of external affairs secretary Arun Kumar Chatterjee
Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek
Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, will also attend the convention as a Guest of Honour, following a personal invitation from Jaishankar. Dev Pragad’s presence at the convention highlights his remarkable achievements in transforming Newsweek. Since becoming CEO, Pragad has turned the iconic publication into a profitable, multi-platform media organization that reaches over 100 million readers monthly.
Major highlights from the convention:
- Security measures: Over 2,700 police personnel and 1,200 central forces have been deployed for security and traffic management across Bhubaneswar.
- Cultural showcase: The Odisha government has called on residents to decorate their homes and public spaces, akin to Diwali celebrations, to welcome the delegates.
The convention highlights the contributions of the Indian diaspora, which now stands at 35.4 million people worldwide, including 19.5 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 15.8 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The diaspora is regarded as one of India’s biggest strengths, particularly due to its significant remittances and involvement in international affairs.
