18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Odisha

Source: The Hindu (18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas)

Why in News?

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is set to begin in Odisha with over 3,000 delegates from 70 countries arriving for the three-day event. The convention, scheduled from January 8-10, 2025, will focus on the theme “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the event on the second day.

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Key Events and Guests of 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

1. Chief Guest:
   • Christine Carla Kangaloo, the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, will virtually address the convention.
2. Guest of Honour:
   • Dr. Dev Pragad, the CEO and co-owner of Newsweek, will be the guest of honour at the Youth PBD on January 8.
3. Ministerial Delegations:
   • High-level delegations from Mauritius, Malaysia, and South Africa will participate, alongside other large diaspora groups from countries such as Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, the U.K., and the U.S..
4. PBD Vision:
   • The central theme of the event is the role of the Indian diaspora in contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. The Indian government is keen on leveraging its diaspora’s potential to help realize this vision.
5. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman:
   • President Droupadi Murmu will chair the valedictory session and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman on 27 distinguished members of the Indian diaspora for their outstanding contributions in various fields.

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Key Features of the Event

1. Pravasi Bharatiya Express:
   • Prime Minister Modi will remotely flag off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora. The train will embark on a three-week journey from Delhi, covering several tourist and religious destinations.
2. Diaspora Legacy Showcase:
   • The event will highlight the evolution and spread of the Indian diaspora worldwide, with a special focus on the migration of people from Mandvi, Gujarat to Muscat, Oman. Rare documents of the migrants’ history will be showcased.
3. Cultural Focus of Odisha:
   • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the event is also an opportunity for Odisha to showcase its rich cultural heritage and traditions to the world.
4. Tourism Initiatives:
   • Odisha’s government has identified 21 tourist sites to make the visit more comfortable and pleasurable for the delegates.

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Importance of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas provides a platform for Indians living abroad to connect with their roots, share their experiences, and contribute to India’s development. It reinforces the role of the Indian diaspora as a living bridge between India and the global community, particularly in terms of fostering economic, cultural, and educational ties.

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