Odisha ready to host 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Odisha Chief secy Manoj Ahuja

Bhubaneswar, Jan 6: Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja announced on Sunday that the state is fully prepared to host the 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) from January 8 to 10 in Bhubaneswar. The event, which will take place for the first time in Odisha, is seen as a major opportunity to showcase the state’s rich culture, tourism, and industrial potential to a global audience.

 Ahuja emphasized that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a significant event for Odisha, with participation expected from key national leaders, including the President, Prime Minister, and External Affairs Minister. Several other central ministers will also be present for the occasion. Over 3,500 members of the Indian diaspora have already registered for the event.

The three-day event will feature plenary sessions organized by Odisha’s Tourism and Industry Departments, as well as cultural activities supported by both the Odisha government and the Government of India. Ahuja stated that the event will provide an ideal platform for Odisha to highlight its diverse offerings in tourism, culture, and industry to the world.

"This is a major opportunity for Odisha to be in the global spotlight, as visitors worldwide will be here. It will allow us to promote the state's unique attributes and create a lasting impression among international visitors," Ahuja noted.

In terms of event logistics, Ahuja assured that preparations were on track. "We are continuously reviewing the arrangements, and everything is progressing smoothly. By tomorrow, we expect all final preparations to be in place," he said.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an annual initiative by the Government of India to celebrate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the country's growth and development. The theme for this year's edition, “Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” highlights the important role of the Indian community abroad in shaping India's progress.

With the event set to begin in just a day, Odisha is poised to make a strong impression on both domestic and international audiences, further cementing its position as a key player in India's socio-economic landscape.