The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 9 January 2025. This edition of the flagship event of the Government of India that provides an important platform to connect and engage with the Indian diaspora and enable them to interact with each other, is being organized in partnership with the State Government of Odisha from 8th – 10th January 2025 in Bhubaneswar with the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”.

In his address, the Prime Minister remarked that “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become an institution to strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora”. He emphasized that he has always considered the Indian diaspora as ambassadors of India and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to them for giving him the opportunity to hold his head high with pride on the global stage.”

“India is not just the mother of democracy, but democracy is an integral part of Indian life”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He noted that Indians naturally embrace diversity and integrate seamlessly into the societies they join, respecting local rules and traditions. Modi remarked that Indians serve their host countries with honesty, contributing to their growth and prosperity, while always keeping India close to their hearts.

“India is now recognized as a Vishwa Bandhu”, exclaimed the Prime Minister and urged the diaspora to strengthen this global connection by increasing their efforts and suggested organizing award functions in their respective countries, specifically for the local prominent individuals in various fields such as literature, art and craft, film, and theater.

Stressing on the significant role of the diaspora in making local Indian products global, Modi urged them to purchase “Made in India” products which he said would be a substantial contribution towards building a developed India. Further, he encouraged the diaspora to participated in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative.

At the event, the Prime Minister remotely flagged-off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special Tourist Train for the Indian diaspora, which will depart from the Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and would travel to multiple destinations of tourism and religious importance in India for a period of three weeks. The Pravasi Bharatiya Express will be conducted under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated four exhibitions at the 18th PBD Convention:

(i) Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana: This exhibition would present the timeless epic of Ramayana through a curated juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary art forms.

(ii) Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat. This exhibition would acknowledge the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the development of technology in the world.

(iii) Spread and Evolution of Indian diaspora in the world with special focus on Mandvi to Muscat. This exhibition will showcase rare documents of people who had migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman.

(iv) Heritage and Culture of Odisha: The exhibition will showcase the rich heritage and cultural traditions of Odisha through its different art and craft forms and highlight its illustrious legacy.

The Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Manjhi, Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Pralhad Joshi, Dharmendra Pradhan, Jual Oram, and Union Ministers of State, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Pabitra Margherita were present among other dignitaries at the event.