Bhubaneswar, Jan 6: Bhubaneswar is set to host the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) from January 8 to 10, welcoming thousands of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and members of the Indian diaspora from around the globe.
The event, commemorating the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915, celebrates the overseas Indian community's contributions to the nation’s development.
This marks the first time PBD is being held in eastern India, aligning with the Central Government’s 'Purvodaya' initiative aimed at developing states like Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal into economic hubs.
Announced in the Union Budget 2024 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the initiative seeks to leverage the region's cultural heritage and natural resources to fast-track India's progress towards becoming a developed nation.
Odisha, with its rich mineral reserves, thriving marine economy, and leadership in sectors such as iron and steel manufacturing, sports, and IT, exemplifies the vision of 'Purvodaya.'
The state has attracted significant investment from Indian IT companies and continues to establish itself as a centre for innovation and skill development.
The event will also highlight Odisha's historical maritime connections with Southeast Asia.
Cultural ties with regions like Bali and Sri Lanka, reflected in traditions such as the Bali Yatra, underscore the state’s rich heritage. The PBD convention aims to celebrate these historical links and explore ways to revitalise them in the modern era.
The three-day celebration will feature exhibitions on themes such as the Ramayana, technology, and the diaspora’s role in promoting Indian culture abroad. The Ramayana exhibition will trace the epic’s journey to Southeast Asia, where it remains a significant cultural influence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on 'Purvodaya' dates back to 2015 when he inaugurated an Indian Oil Corporation Limited refinery in Paradip, Odisha.
Hosting the PBD in Bhubaneswar reinforces the government’s commitment to realising this vision and transforming the region into a global economic powerhouse.
As the city prepares for this grand event, it stands as a testament to Odisha’s growing prominence on the national and international stage, poised to showcase its potential to the world.
