The Odisha government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025. The high-profile event will witness participation from over 3,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from more than 50 countries, highlighting Odisha’s cultural, economic, and tourism potential.
Preparations are in full swing, with the state government allocating ₹125 crore in the supplementary budget for a series of events coinciding with the convention. Bhubaneswar has been transformed into a cultural hub, featuring traditional art, modern lighting, and unique attractions like a handloom walkathon showcasing Odisha’s rich textile heritage. A night flea market, tribal fair, food festival, Rajarani Music Festival, Mukteshwar Dance Festival, and Ekamra Mahotsav are among the highlights designed to leave a lasting impression on delegates.
Key government departments, including the Department of Industries, have mobilized resources to ensure seamless coordination. Seventy senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers are being trained by the Ministry of External Affairs to assist VVIP delegates, including foreign dignitaries and diplomatic officials.
The event will commence on January 8 with Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9. The closing ceremony on January 10 will feature the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, with President Droupadi Murmu delivering the concluding address. Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago, will attend as the chief guest.
The Odisha Tourism Department is leveraging the event to showcase the state’s attractions, hosting site familiarization trips for international delegates. Touristic highlights include the Ashokan Relic at Dhauli, Puri Jagannath Temple, and Konark Temple. These efforts align with India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Purvodaya Mission,’ aimed at boosting economic activity in the eastern regions.
Registration has seen a surge, with a majority of participants hailing from Southeast Asia, the Gulf countries, and Europe, alongside Indian states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. The event provides a strategic platform to promote Odisha’s 482-km coastline and attract investments in tourism, port-based infrastructure, and other sectors, furthering the state’s growth aspirations.
