18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Celebrating Indian Diaspora in Bhubaneswar
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is scheduled from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This event, organized by the Indian government, focuses on the theme "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat." It aims to celebrate and strengthen the bond between India and its overseas Indian community.
First celebrated in 2003, PBD acknowledges the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India's growth. The date of January 9th is significant as it marks Mahatma Gandhi's return to India in 1915, a pivotal moment in India's freedom movement. PBD has evolved into a biennial event, bringing together policymakers, diaspora experts, and stakeholders to discuss India's development and the diaspora's role.
A key highlight is the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), recognizing significant contributions in social work, humanitarian efforts, and enhancing India's global standing. As of the 17th PBD Convention, 296 PBSA awards have been given.
The convention offers a platform for dialogue between the Indian government and overseas citizens, discussing policies affecting the diaspora, such as visa regulations and investment opportunities. It showcases India's potential as a hub for investment and innovation, encouraging overseas Indians to contribute to national development.
The Indian diaspora, over 35.4 million strong, is a major source of remittances globally. The United States and the UAE host the largest groups, with over 2 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in the U.S. and more than 3.5 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE. These communities play a crucial role in India's economy.
In recent years, PBD has partnered with state governments to highlight individual states' strengths and attract investment. The 15th PBD in Varanasi in 2019, in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh, exemplified this approach. The 16th Convention was held virtually due to the pandemic, while the 17th in Indore in 2023 marked a return to in-person gatherings, with the theme "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit Kaal."
Doubts Revealed
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a special day celebrated in India to honor and connect with Indians living abroad, known as the Indian diaspora. It is a way to recognize their contributions to India's development.
Indian Diaspora
The Indian diaspora refers to people of Indian origin who live outside India. They are important because they contribute to India's growth by sharing their skills, knowledge, and investments.
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the capital city of the Indian state of Odisha. It is known for its rich history, temples, and as a center for education and technology.
Viksit Bharat
Viksit Bharat means 'Developed India' in Hindi. It refers to the vision of making India a more advanced and prosperous country.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is a prestigious award given to people of Indian origin living abroad. It recognizes their outstanding contributions in various fields like business, education, and community service.
Convention
A convention is a large meeting or conference where people gather to discuss important topics. In this case, it is about connecting the Indian government with Indians living abroad.
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