PM Modi to Inaugurate 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, announced the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Wednesday.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, the Government of India’s flagship event, serves as a key platform to engage with the Indian diaspora, fostering interaction and collaboration among participants from around the globe.

The 18th edition of the convention is scheduled to take place from January 8 to 10, 2025, in partnership with the Odisha state government, the PMO said in a press release.

The theme for this year’s event is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, highlighting the significant role of overseas Indians in India’s development journey. The convention is expected to witness participation from members of the Indian diaspora representing over 50 countries.

As part of the inaugural program, Prime Minister Modi will remotely flag off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed for the diaspora. The train, departing from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi, will traverse multiple destinations of cultural and religious significance across India over a three-week journey. This initiative is part of the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, aimed at connecting the diaspora with India’s rich heritage.

Meanwhile, preparations for the prestigious event are nearing completion as Bhubaneswar gears up to host delegates from across the world.