An Open Firmament

As Bhubaneswar hosts the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Odisha has a chance to cultivate global partnerships, exhibit heritage, and drive home investments under the theme 'Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat'

- G MOHANTY

As the sun rises over Bhubaneswar on January 8, 2025, the city will play host to a grand celebration of heritage, innovation, and collaboration.

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, a flagship event dedicated to honouring the contributions of the Indian diaspora, is set to bring together over 3,000 delegates from across the globe.

Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the convention on January 9, while the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will preside over the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on January 10.

Joining this illustrious gathering will be Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago, as the event's chief guest.

The theme of the 18th PBD Convention is "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat".

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is more than a convention—it is a testament to the global Indian community's transformative role in shaping India's growth story.

From their USD 120 billion in annual remittances in 2023 (expected to grow to USD 129 billion in 2025), to their role as ambassadors of Indian culture and innovation, the diaspora's contributions are unparalleled.

NRIs also substantially contribute to India's growth through their entrepreneurial ventures, knowledge transfer and social impact.