Bhubaneswar, January 8: The three-day Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) has begun in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, today.
Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, while participating in the event, has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for entrusting Odisha with the responsibility of hosting the prestigious gathering.
"Through the 'Look East' policy, Prime Minister Modi has emphasized that India's development hinges on the rise of the East. It is under this vision that Odisha has been given this significant opportunity, and I believe this will not only accelerate India's progress but also boost Odisha's growth," Singh Deo stated.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention has attracted large numbers of delegations from the Indian diaspora across 50 countries. The convention, which is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on Thursday morning, is part of the ongoing three-day Youth PBD event, which began in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), participants from over 50 countries have registered for the event. The PBD serves as a key platform for the Indian diaspora to reconnect with their heritage, foster global networking, and engage in meaningful dialogue with fellow expatriates.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being held first time in Odisha, with the state making elaborate preparations to showcase its rich historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage to the global audience.
On Wednesday, several prominent dignitaries, including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, addressed the gathering.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja informed that more than 5,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have attended the event. As part of the events, delegates will visit sites like Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Jajpur, to promote Odisha as a major international tourism destination.
