The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention that took place from January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marked a historic first for eastern India.

The event highlighted the crucial role of overseas Indians and diaspora in India’s growth story. The convention attracted global leaders, business figures, and community representatives from six continents. 

The event began with greetings from entertainers as soon as guests arrived at the airport, along with complimentary taxi rides to hotels or convention venues through Odisha’s well-decorated streets.

Day 1: A Platform for Youth and Business Leaders

The convention kicked off with Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, an initiative aimed at engaging young members of the Indian diaspora. Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO and co-founder of Newsweek, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor, setting the tone for a day filled with thought-provoking discussions.

The highlight of the day was the session “Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World,” chaired by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, India’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. The discussion brought together young leaders excelling in business, politics, and academia, fostering dialogue on how the next generation of overseas Indians can contribute to India’s progress.

Simultaneously, a business discussion was held, featuring External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar and Odisha Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi. The discussion revolved around Odisha’s emerging status as an investment hub in the areas of technology, tourism, and sustainable energy. Special sessions such as “Unraveling India’s Best-Kept Secret” and “Viksit Odisha: The Road Ahead” showcased the state’s strengths to attract potential global investors.

Among the attendees were the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, India’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, and Member of Parliament, Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera. Also present were Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International (Global Organization of People of Indian Origin), and many organizational leaders from the global diaspora, including representatives from Caribbean nations.

Day 2: Inauguration and Cultural Extravaganza

The second day saw the official inauguration of the convention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized India’s evolving relationship with its diaspora. In his speech, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening ties with overseas Indians, acknowledging their contribution to the nation’s economy, culture, and global standing. Prime Minister Modi recently visited the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump and Tesla billionaire Elon Musk in Washington, D.C.

The Odisha convention featured a grand cultural showcase, celebrating the state’s rich artistic traditions, such as Odissi dance performances, tribal music, folk art displays, and city-wide decorations, creating an immersive experience of Odisha’s vibrant heritage. Among the city’s decor, an active hockey stadium piqued the interest of touring guests as hockey players and coaches poured in for unrelated sporting activities.

Another highlight of the convention was the launch of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana. This initiative offered diaspora guests the opportunity to explore India’s spiritual and historical landmarks. Several tour options were available for guests attending the conference, allowing them to experience the natural beauty and culture of Odisha. One prominent nearby tourist destination was the Jagannath Temple in Puri, which welcomed both local and visiting Hindus. The temple venerates Hindu deity, Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Hindu Supreme Being, Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to have a strong connection to Krishna and is uniquely inhabited by monkeys, making it a fascinating pilgrimage site for visiting families.

Day 3: Honoring Excellence and Special Recognitions

The final day of the convention was marked by the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025, presented by President Droupadi Murmu. These awards recognized outstanding contributions made by overseas Indians in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, science, and culture. Among the awardees were individuals who had significantly impacted education in Africa, healthcare in the Middle East, and technological advancements in North America. Their inspiring journeys underscored the diverse ways in which the Indian diaspora continues to shape global industries while maintaining deep-rooted ties with their homeland.

Simultaneously, in a ceremony at the Life Science Building, a female board leader of the International Museum of the Saree was honored for her management and leadership in the world of AI by European Blockchain University. The award was co-presented by Member of Parliament, Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera and founder of the university. This recognition follows additional honorary acknowledgments in Delhi, Dubai, and the State of New York.

The International Museum of the Saree is a community-driven traveling pop-up focused on the ongoing preservation of sarees and apparel of the South Asian diaspora. This pop-up and virtual museum houses exhibits featuring content from renowned classical Indian musician Pt. Anup Jalota, award-winning Indian musician-composer and Sarangi exponent Ustad Kamal Sabri, composer Dilip Sen, Bollywood actor Rahul Roy, award-winning Kumbh Mela documentary maker, Udai Kumar, global diplomatic leaders, and diaspora families.

Throughout the event, the Odisha Pavilion at Janata Maidan was a testament to the state’s cultural richness. Delegates had the chance to explore exquisite Sambalpuri, Bomkai, and Berhampuri textiles, silver filigree jewelry, Pattachitra paintings, and stone carvings—crafts that reflect Odisha’s deep artistic legacy. These exhibits were of particular interest to the International Museum of the Saree.

A Resounding Success

The 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention showcased India’s active engagement with its diaspora and promoted Odisha’s economic potential and cultural wealth to patriotic delegates and global investors. The convention was a resounding success, offering a vibrant showcase of arts, culture, networking opportunities, and tourism experiences for the diaspora community and global visitors alike.

Congratulations to all awardees and the organizers of the 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas! Delegates left not only with new connections for budding business opportunities but also with delectable snacks from vendors, laptop bag souvenirs, and cherished memories.

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article/column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of South Asian Herald.

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