Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the preparations for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) scheduled to take place from January 8 to 10 in the state Capital.
According to a press release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the three-day event is being organized for the first time in Odisha, and the state government is fully prepared to make it a grand success.
Chief Minister stated that the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which has been held annually since 2003, will take place in Odisha for the first time. This event presents a golden opportunity for Odisha to showcase itself on the global stage. The Prime Minister has also emphasized the importance of this event. He advised to organize it attractively and flawlessly to highlight Odisha’s identity on the global stage.
Chief Minister emphasized the importance of cleanliness, especially in urban areas. He stressed that the cleanliness of Bhubaneswar should be of international standards. He also suggested organizing a separate cleanliness campaign in Bhubaneswar and involving local people in the festivities.
It is learnt from the review meeting that the inaugural ceremony will be attended by the Union Minister of External Affairs on January 8, the Prime Minister on January 9, and the President of India on January 10. The program will include Plenary Sessions on topics such as ‘Unraveling India’s Best Kept Secret’ and ‘Odisha – the Land of Opportunities.
The event will also showcase Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, including its historical significance, art, architecture, music, dance, tribal culture, language, literature, and tourist destinations, through digital and other media. The state’s vision for 2036 and 2047 will also be showcased.
During this time, around 10 festivals will be organized in Bhubaneswar. These festivals include Raja Rani Music Festival (January 7-11), Mukteswar Dance Festival (January 7-11), International Odissi Dance Festival (January 7-11), Tribal Dance and Music Festival (January 7-11), Adivasi Mela (January 5-15), Chilika Bird Festival (January 6-12), Flower Show (January 7-11), Food Festival (January 8-10), and Night Flea Market (January 8-10).
As per the release, arrangements are being made to take the guests to 28 tourist destinations in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar and Jajpur. Around 7,500 delegates are expected to attend. More than 3,700 rooms have been booked for the guests, and homestay arrangements have also been made at some places. Various committees formed to oversee the event are holding regular meetings to expedite the preparations.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Minister of Housing and Urban Development krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Minister of Language, Literature and Culture Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Nikunj Bihari Dhal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Satyabrata Sahu, Director General of Police YB Khurania, and principal secretaries and secretaries of various departments.
