The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 was the first PBD to be held in Eastern India
OdishaPlus Bureau
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention (PBD) 2025 took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, with delegates from over 75 countries attending.
This was the first PBD held in Eastern India, aligning with the Indian government’s focus on ‘Purvodaya.’ Odisha has a rich history of maritime links with Southeast Asia, and these connections are being revitalized today. PBD 2025 not only enhances India’s relationship with its diaspora but also supports the ‘Act East Policy.’
Day 1
As is customary, the first day, January 8, was set aside for the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, featuring Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, as the Guest of Honor. The opening session, titled ‘Beyond Barriers: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World,’ was led by Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, as well as Labour and Employment. The session included speakers from the diaspora in politics, business, and academia.
A business meeting led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi focused on the state’s business potential and how international investors can benefit from its economic and technological advancements. Additionally, the Odisha government held two themed sessions titled ‘Unraveling India’s Best Kept Secret’ and ‘Viksit Odisha: The Road Ahead’. The day concluded with an impressive cultural performance featuring art from the state, according to a statement.
Day 2
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched PBD 2025 on January 9. The Chief Guest for 2025, President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago, spoke to the audience virtually. In her speech, she expressed pride in her Indian heritage and acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago. She also emphasized India’s significant role in global growth and development.
Prime Minister Modi, in his speech, called on the Indian diaspora to help achieve Viksit Bharat 2047. He encouraged them to work on preserving their history through projects like digitizing historical documents, films, and research. He also mentioned the idea of uniting the diaspora at a Girmitiya Conference.
Additionally, he invited the diaspora to explore India, especially during the Maha Kumbh 2025, and to support the ‘Chalo India’ tourism initiative. During PBD 2025, he launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Express remotely and opened several exhibitions, including Vishwaroop Ram; Recording Diaspora History – Mandvi to Muscat; Diaspora’s Contributions to Technology and Viksit Bharat; and Odisha’s Economic Progress and Heritage.
The Prime Minister met with the winners of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz. On the second day, there were plenary sessions called ‘Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills’ and ‘Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development.’ Shobha Karandlaje, the Minister of State for MSME, Labour, and Employment, chaired the first session, while Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Railways, led the second. The day concluded with an exciting cultural performance named ‘Celebration of Bharat,’ organized by ICCR.
Day 3
Day three started with sessions called ‘Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti,’ led by EAM Jaishankar. He discussed the Indian government’s efforts to empower women and support the Viksit Bharat vision. The second session was named ‘Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture Connection and Belonginess,’ chaired by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Minister for Culture and Tourism. During PBD 2025, EAM and other Union Ministers engaged with diaspora groups from countries like the USA, UK, Qatar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, and the UAE.
The closing session of PBD 2025 was led by President Droupadi Murmu. In her speech, she praised the strong spirit of the Indian diaspora. She highlighted the important roles played by women, students, and youth, calling them the future leaders of the community. President Murmu also discussed the Government’s efforts to improve consular services and encouraged the diaspora to engage in programs like the ‘Know India Program.’ She pointed out recent evacuation efforts by the Government, stressing that the Indian Government always prioritizes the support and safety of its diaspora. During the event, she awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman to 27 individuals from 24 different countries.
The three-day event concluded with a beautiful santoor performance by Maestro Abhay Rustum Sopori.
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