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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2025 commenced today in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.” This three-day event will host over 6,000 prominent leaders, including business magnates, philanthropists, academicians, and cultural ambassadors from 75 countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a tourist train promoting India’s heritage, while President Droupadi Murmu will conclude the event by conferring the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards on 27 distinguished diaspora members.
Key Highlights of PBD 2025
Global Participation and Eminent Guests
- Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago, will be the chief guest, addressing attendees virtually.
- Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, is the guest of honor at the Youth PBD segment.
- Ministerial delegations from Mauritius, Malaysia, and South Africa will also attend, alongside notable Indian-origin entrepreneurs such as Ashok Mago and Sopnendu Mohanty.
Investment and Cultural Focus
Odisha, with its rich heritage and modern industrial capabilities, is the event’s centerpiece. The state leads in mining, steel manufacturing, and IT sectors. Sessions will focus on investments in Odisha and India’s broader ASEAN and Indo-Pacific opportunities.
- A joint business session by the MEA and Odisha government will highlight Odisha’s industrial and cultural potential.
- A special session titled “Diaspora Dialogues” will explore cultural connections, featuring speakers like Aishwarya Hegde and Shankar Kandasamy.
Showcasing Odisha’s Transformation
Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasized the state’s progress from the ancient Kalinga kingdom to a modern hub of industry, culture, and education.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Express, departing from Delhi, will visit major tourist and religious destinations across India, showcasing the nation’s diversity to attendees.
Significance of PBD 2025
Marking 10 years of the Act East Policy, the convention reinforces India’s global vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated, “The Indian diaspora is a living bridge between India and the world.”
