18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Odisha

• Over 3,000 delegates from 70 countries have arrived in Odisha for the 18th PBD.

• The three-day event, focusing on “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• The previous edition was held in Indore in January 2023, in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh government.

• The event will feature the spread and evolution of the Indian diaspora, with a special focus on Mandvi to Muscat.

• The event will also feature the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora, departing from Delhi and traveling to various tourist and religious destinations.

• President Droupadi Murmu will chair the valedictory session and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman on 27 distinguished members of the Indian diaspora.

• Awards will be given to Indian diaspora members from 24 countries.