18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention gets underway in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar

Wed Jan 08 09:16:32 UTC 2025: ## Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention Opens in Bhubaneswar, Focusing on Youth Engagement and ‘Viksit Bharat’

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha (January 8, 2025)** – The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention commenced today in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with a strong emphasis on engaging the Indian diaspora in the nation’s development goals. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to actively contribute to the vision of a “viksit Bharat” (developed India).

The convention, inaugurated by Mr. Jaishankar, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandviya, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, featured the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the inaugural session tomorrow, while President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on Friday.

Mr. Jaishankar highlighted India’s progress under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, citing various initiatives like Swachh Bharat, Beti Padhao, and Ayushman Bharat as examples of transformative efforts aimed at securing the future of India’s youth. He encouraged the diaspora to promote India as a tourism destination and leverage their skills and creativity in the global workplace. He also underscored India’s resilience in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and its achievements in space exploration and digital technology.

Minister Mandviya also stressed the importance of youth leadership in India’s progress, while Chief Minister Majhi extended a warm welcome to the diaspora. Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo, the chief guest, will address the convention virtually. The event, with delegates from 50 countries, aims to showcase Odisha’s culture and heritage, with each delegate acting as a tourism ambassador.

According to Ministry of External Affairs officials, the Indian diaspora, comprising 35.4 million people (19.5 million PIOs and 15.8 million NRIs), is a significant source of remittances and a vital asset for India. The convention’s theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” reflects the government’s focus on leveraging the diaspora’s potential for national development.