The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held from 8-10 January 2025 in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha in eastern India.
The theme of this year’s convention is "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat" to celebrate the contribution of the Indian diaspora worldwide towards the government’s goal for a developed nation by 2047. The High Commission of India in London made a call out this week for British Indians planning to participate in PBD 2025.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said: “India not only has one of the largest diaspora but also one most closely connected to the motherland. Developments at home be the achievements or challenges are always closely followed abroad. Our PBD gathering every two years is a long-standing occasion to renew bonds and develop networking.
“The theme in 2025 is the ‘Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’. You are all aware how in response to Prime Minister Modi’s clarion call the entire nation is now determinately embarking on that journey. Your contribution to this national endeavour is important and we are confident the that discussions during PBD will further enhance your resolve.
“The forthcoming PBD is hosted in Bhubaneswar. You are all aware about rich history, traditions and culture of Odisha. The convention will give you an opportunity to experience that for yourself. So, allow me to invite you all to the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas gathering and I look forward to meeting you in person.”
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January 9 commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915 and it is to mark this day that the tradition of celebrating Pravasi Bharatiya Divas started in 2003, commemorating the contributions of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. Since 2015, under a revised format, the PBD Convention has been organised once every two years.
The event also includes the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin; or an organisation or institution established and run by them. The award is to commemorate the contribution of the Indian diaspora to create a better understanding of India abroad, support India's causes and work for the welfare of the local Indian community.
*Info: PBD 2025 Programme