Bhubaneswar: A review meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, was held at Lok Seva Bhavan last Wednesday to discuss the progress of preparations for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The event is scheduled to take place at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025.
To ensure the success of this triennial programme, meetings have been held at various stages. Departmental secretaries, who are members of different sub-committees, discussed their progress in the meeting, focusing on preparations for the event.
Groundwork for the event began on December 9, with arrangements made for seating, vehicle parking, food, and other necessities. The Industries Department reported on the progress, while the Department of Odia Language and Literature and Culture finalized the cultural programs for the event.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will feature various cultural events, including the Raja Rani Music Festival, Mukteswar Dance Festival, International Odissi Dance Festival, and Flower Exhibition at Ekamra Kanan from January 7 to 11. Other events include the Adivasi Mela, Chilika Bird Festival, Food Festival, Path Utsav, and Night Flee Market from January 5 to 15.
The event will be inaugurated on January 8 with the Yuva Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, followed by the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Conference on January 9. The Pravasi Bharatiya Puraskar Samman ceremony will be held on January 10.
To ensure wide dissemination of the program, the State Information and Public Relations Department will prepare a media plan. Additionally, the beautification of 55 highways and the preparation of traffic control, safety, and security systems are underway.
Accommodation arrangements have been made for the Indian diaspora attending the conference, with rooms booked in various hotels. The tourism department is also working on beautifying 28 places of interest in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri.
The Department of Commerce and Transport made a presentation on preparations at the Bhubaneswar airport, while the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department discussed ongoing preparations for the exhibition in 40 identified stalls.
The beautification work of the State Museum, Rabindra Mandap, Bhanja Kala Mandap, Harekrushna Mahatab State Library, and Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya premises is going on. Steps are being taken to improve roads connecting Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark, and Chilika.
