The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention kicked off this morning at Bhubaneswar in Odisha. More than 6,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from about 75 countries are participating in the convention. The Odisha government has made efforts to showcase the State’s rich culture and heritage to the delegates. The convention began with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event jointly organised by the Odisha government in partnership with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Union Ministers Dr S Jaishnakar, Pabitra Margherita, Dr Mansuh Mandaviya, Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi have joined the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas today. The convention is a significant occasion to celebrate India’s relationship with the global Indian community.

The event will be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow. It will include a wide range of activities that highlight the contributions of the Indian diaspora in shaping India’s development and its global stature. A standout feature of the convention is the presence of President of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Carla Kangaloo who will participate virtually as the chief guest of this edition of the convention, which is being held on the theme ‘Diaspora’s Contribution on a Vikshit Bharat’. President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on Friday. The President will also confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman upon members of the Indian diaspora to recognise their achievements in various fields.