Bhubaneswar, Jan 2: The Odisha Government has announced the activation of control room numbers for the upcoming 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), set to begin on January 8, 2025, in Bhubaneswar.
The control room, located in the Home Department, can be reached at the following telephone numbers: 0674 2390411 and 0674 2390811. These numbers will be operational from January 2 to January 11, 2025.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated annually to mark the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. The tradition began in 2003 with the first convention held on January 9, 2003, to honor the contributions of the overseas Indian community to India’s development.
Since 2015, the event has been held biennially, with the aim of strengthening ties between the Government of India and the Indian diaspora while reconnecting them with their cultural roots.
The 18th edition of PBD will take place at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025, under the theme "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat". The event is expected to be attended by several dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, various Union Ministers, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The previous PBD Convention, the 17th edition, was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, from January 8-10, 2023. The theme of that event was "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit Kaal."
For the 2025 convention, the Government of India has called for a large participation of the Indian diaspora.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Kuwait in December 2024, extended a personal invitation to the Indian community there, encouraging them to attend the three-day event in Bhubaneswar. He emphasized that India would play a central role as a hub for global development and growth in the future.
