The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8-10, saw spirited celebrations across the globe, reflecting the strong bond between India and its diaspora. Indian missions worldwide participated actively, organizing a range of events to commemorate the occasion.
In Seychelles, the Indian High Commission hosted a special screening of the PBD inauguration, while the Indian Embassy in Chile held a similar event to showcase the inaugural proceedings. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, brought the community together for a cultural evening featuring ghazals and songs by Mohammad Vakil. In Norway, over 200 people gathered at Kjeller’s JK Banquet Hall for a tribute to the Indian diaspora’s contributions.
In Bhubaneswar, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to 27 individuals, celebrating their outstanding achievements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the main convention on January 9, which attracted significant participation, including a large delegation from Oman.The PBD convention, initiated in 2003, continues to provide a platform for connecting India with its vast overseas community. Guwahati saw an increased buzz during the PBD celebrations, with businesses showcasing products reflecting India’s cultural heritage, further strengthening the ties between India and its diaspora.