Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) or Non-Resident Indian Day is an annual celebration that recognises the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the mother country’s development.
The 18th edition of this significant event was held a few days ago in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marking the state’s first time as the host for this prestigious convention. This event not only served as a platform for reconnecting with the Indian diaspora but also showcased Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and contemporary advancements.
The theme for the 2025 convention was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” emphasising the role of the Indian diaspora in shaping a developed India. This theme resonated with the vision of the Indian government towards propelling India into a prosperous and technologically advanced nation by 2047. Thus aligning the PBD with Prime Minister’s larger vision of “Amrit Kaal” or ambrosial period of India’s life.
An integral part of PBD is the conferment of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, which honour individuals of exceptional merit from the Indian diaspora. These awards, presented by the President of India, recognise contributions in fields ranging from community service to business, highlighting the global influence of overseas Indians. As many as twenty distinguished Indians from various walks of life now settled in numerous nations across the world were honoured during the convention.
There were various events and panels tailored to strengthen the bond between India and its global citizens. For the eastern state of Odisha, led by its first time chief minister from the scheduled tribes, Mohan Charan Majhi, this was certainly a flagship event, with the state capital Bhubaneshwar hosting several high-profile international delegates for the first time. PM Modi’s presence underscored how seriously he personally takes India’s diaspora outreach, leading from the front.
One of the memorable highlights this year’s PBD was the introduction of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed to offer diaspora members a journey through India’s spiritual and cultural landmarks. This initiative under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana was symbolically flagged off by PM Modi, aiming to reconnect overseas Indians with their cultural roots.
The convention was enriched with cultural festivals, exhibitions, and sessions that celebrated Odisha’s heritage. Events like the Rajarani Music Festival, Mukteshwar Dance Festival, and the International Odissi Dance Festival were prominent, drawing attention to the state’s artistic wealth.
The Odisha-themed pavilion, titled “Glorious Odisha: From Ancient to Modern,” offered a comprehensive look at Odisha’s journey from its ancient roots to its modern industrial landscape, featuring 3D replicas of landmarks like the Konark Sun Temple and interactive displays of traditional crafts.
The PBD 2025 was not just about celebration but also about fostering constructive dialogues. Over 7,000 delegates from various countries attended, participating in plenary sessions that discussed themes like youth leadership, diaspora contributions to technology, and the role of the diaspora in sustainable development.
These sessions were crucial in creating a network where ideas, experiences, and potential collaborations could be shared, particularly focusing on how the diaspora could contribute to India’s growth in various sectors.
Given the global nature of the event and the presence of high-profile dignitaries, security was a paramount concern. This ensured that the convention proceeded without any major incidents, thereby maintaining the focus on the cultural and economic objectives of PBD.
The hosting of PBD in Odisha was a strategic move to showcase the state’s potential to the world. It provided a platform for Odisha to present itself as a land of opportunities, particularly in areas like tourism, investment in port infrastructure, and cultural exchange. CM Majhi expressed his hope that this event would open Odisha to global audiences, emphasising the state’s readiness to engage with the world on multiple fronts.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was instituted in 2003 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on Jan. 9, 1915, an event pivotal in igniting India’s independence movement. One of the criticisms of PBD 2025 was that there was hardly a mention of Mahatma Gandhi — India’s apostle of peace and non-violence.
