Bhubaneswar: The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be organised in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025 after Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi approved a proposal of the Ministry of External Affairs in this regard.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reviewed preparations last Thursday, accompanied by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrat Sahu, and other senior officials.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a significant Central programme recognising Indian immigrants’ contributions to the country’s development. It commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa on January 9. Since 2003, it has been held annually, and since 2015, biennially, with 17 events held so far. The 17th edition took place in Indore of Madhya Pradesh in 2023, and the 18th edition will be in Bhubaneswar.
A five-member Ministry of External Affairs delegation visited Odisha from September 25 to 27 to discuss coordination and initial preparations. The event will be supported by both the Government of India and Odisha Government. Approximately 5,000 participants will attend, including the President, Prime Minister, Odisha Chief Minister, External Affairs Minister, Union Ministers, foreign dignitaries, and Indian immigrants.
The conference schedule includes Yuva Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on the first day, main ceremony and digital flag-up of Pravasi Bharatiya Teerth Express on the second day and the valedictory ceremony on the third day.
