Puri (Odisha) [India] – Odisha is preparing to host the 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) from January 8 to 10 in Bhubaneswar, bringing together a diverse group of delegates and dignitaries from over 50 countries.
Puri Superintendent of Police Vineet Agrawal expressed pride in the region’s preparations to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for attendees. Speaking to media, he stated, “It is a matter of pride for us that the program of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is going to be organised in Odisha. All the delegates and dignitaries will visit Puri also. So all the arrangements have been made at the tourist places in Puri. The senior officers of the police are deployed at all the places.”
District Magistrate Siddharth Shankar Swain highlighted the focus on providing a memorable experience, saying, “It is a very proud moment for us that the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in Odisha and the delegates will also visit the Jagannath Temple, Sun Temple, and other places. We hope the delegates will take back good memories with them after visiting Odisha.”
Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, also spoke about the significance of PBD, describing it as a key platform for fostering global connections within the Indian diaspora. “It is an important event to bring around groups of people who can contribute a lot to not just the diaspora here in India but around the world,” said Deo. He added, “We have events lined up for tomorrow and the day after. PM Modi is coming. That’s an important event… There’s so much history between the two countries. I think that was a starting point that has built up over the years and strengthened even more.”
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, aims to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora and celebrate their contributions. The theme of this year’s event is “The Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the convention on Wednesday at 10:00 am. The event promises to showcase Odisha’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, with key attractions including visits to the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple in Konark.