Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, Jan 10 (UNI) The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention (PBD), 2025, held in partnership with the Government of Odisha in Bhubaneshwar, from Jan 8-10, saw the participation of a large gathering of delegates from over 75 countries.
The PBD 2025 was the first PBD to be held in Eastern India. This approach is in line with Government of India's focus on ‘Purvodaya’. Odisha has had historical maritime connections with South East Asia and these ties are being renewed and rekindled in contemporary times. As such, PBD 2025 in Odisha while deepening India's connect with the diaspora also strengthens its ‘Act East Policy’.
As has been the tradition over the years, the first day of the Convention –January 8, was dedicated for the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas where the Guest of Honor was Dev Pragad, CEO, Newsweek. The first plenary of PBD 2025 titled, "Beyond Barriers: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World” was chaired by Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment. Other Speakers included diaspora leaders from the areas of politics, business and academia.