President Droupadi Murmu attended the valedictory session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention held at Janta Maidan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where she presented the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. This event, organized by the Government of India in collaboration with the Odisha government, celebrates the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s progress and global reputation.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished personalities, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The event, running from January 8 to 10, 2025, attracted participants from over 50 countries, making it a significant platform for fostering engagement between India and its diaspora.
In an official statement, the President’s Secretariat highlighted the importance of the occasion, stating, “On January 10, the President will grace the valedictory session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention and present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his enthusiasm on social media, sharing, “Honored to receive President Droupadi Murmu today at the #PravasiBharatiyaDivas2025 Convention in Odisha.”
This year’s PBD Convention was centered on the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. The convention provided a platform to celebrate the diaspora’s achievements while encouraging stronger connections with their roots.
President Murmu presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to 28 outstanding individuals from various fields, including technology, business, art, and culture. Among the recipients was Ravi Kumar, CEO of Cognizant, who emphasized the award’s significance. “This recognition not only celebrates the accomplishments of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) but also serves as a reminder to stay connected to India and contribute to its growth,” Kumar stated.
Kumar highlighted the Indian diaspora’s critical role in acting as a bridge between India and the world, supporting the nation’s economic and geopolitical ambitions. “In the last 10-15 years, India’s role on the global stage has grown significantly, and Indians abroad have a unique opportunity to be a part of this growth story,” he added.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention has long been recognized as the Government of India’s flagship event to deepen ties with the diaspora. The 2025 edition saw an impressive turnout, with delegates from over 50 countries participating in discussions, cultural programs, and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening the diaspora’s role in India’s development.
As the valedictory session concluded, the event underscored the Indian diaspora’s immense potential to shape India’s future while contributing to global progress. President Murmu’s presence and her presentation of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards added a layer of prestige to this significant occasion, further inspiring Indians worldwide to remain connected to their heritage and contribute to the nation’s aspirations.
President Droupadi Murmu attended the valedictory session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention held at Janta Maidan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where she presented the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. This event, organized by the Government of India in collaboration with the Odisha government, celebrates the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s progress and global reputation.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished personalities, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The event, running from January 8 to 10, 2025, attracted participants from over 50 countries, making it a significant platform for fostering engagement between India and its diaspora.
In an official statement, the President’s Secretariat highlighted the importance of the occasion, stating, “On January 10, the President will grace the valedictory session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention and present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his enthusiasm on social media, sharing, “Honored to receive President Droupadi Murmu today at the #PravasiBharatiyaDivas2025 Convention in Odisha.”
This year’s PBD Convention was centered on the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. The convention provided a platform to celebrate the diaspora’s achievements while encouraging stronger connections with their roots.
President Murmu presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to 28 outstanding individuals from various fields, including technology, business, art, and culture. Among the recipients was Ravi Kumar, CEO of Cognizant, who emphasized the award’s significance. “This recognition not only celebrates the accomplishments of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) but also serves as a reminder to stay connected to India and contribute to its growth,” Kumar stated.
Kumar highlighted the Indian diaspora’s critical role in acting as a bridge between India and the world, supporting the nation’s economic and geopolitical ambitions. “In the last 10-15 years, India’s role on the global stage has grown significantly, and Indians abroad have a unique opportunity to be a part of this growth story,” he added.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention has long been recognized as the Government of India’s flagship event to deepen ties with the diaspora. The 2025 edition saw an impressive turnout, with delegates from over 50 countries participating in discussions, cultural programs, and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening the diaspora’s role in India’s development.
As the valedictory session concluded, the event underscored the Indian diaspora’s immense potential to shape India’s future while contributing to global progress. President Murmu’s presence and her presentation of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards added a layer of prestige to this significant occasion, further inspiring Indians worldwide to remain connected to their heritage and contribute to the nation’s aspirations.
