18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Celebrations in Odisha to Boost Centre’s ‘Purvodaya’ Initiative
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New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrations are poised to kick off in Odisha's Bhubaneswar starting January 8, drawing in thousands of Non-Resident Indians and members of the Indian diaspora from various parts of the world for this significant event.
The PBD celebrations commenced in January 2003 to honor the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915, recognizing the contributions and achievements of the overseas Indian community in the country’s development.
With the PBD moving to the Eastern region for the first time, it underscores the Centre's dedication to advancing the ‘Purvodaya’ initiative, aimed at the comprehensive development of the Eastern states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.
In the Union Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the government's strategy to implement the ‘Purvodaya’ plan, focusing on leveraging the rich cultural heritage of the region to transform it into economic centers, thereby accelerating the government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
The hosting of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha aligns with the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s Purvodaya initiative, which aims to create a comprehensive roadmap for the region's development.
Odisha’s abundant mineral and natural resources will significantly contribute to this mission. The state excels in various sectors such as mining, iron and steel production, marine economy, sports, skill development, and is even growing in the knowledge economy. Numerous Indian IT firms have established their presence in the state.
The PBD event will serve as a platform to exhibit what Odisha has to offer to a global audience.
This eastern state has historical maritime connections with South-East Asia. Historically, traders, monks, and travelers from Odisha have journeyed to distant lands in South-East Asia.
The Bali Yatra and Odisha’s ties with Sri Lanka reflect these dynamic cultural connections. The PBD convention will highlight these historical journeys and the ongoing efforts to revitalize them.
As in previous years, the PBD celebrations in Bhubaneswar, scheduled from January 8 to January 10, will showcase the vibrancy of the Indian diaspora and their achievements worldwide.
Additionally, exhibitions focusing on the Ramayana, technology, and the diaspora are planned to spotlight the contributions of the Indian community abroad and their role in promoting Indian culture, values, and ethos internationally.
The Ramayana exhibition will illustrate how the epic spread across South-East Asia, where it continues to attract both locals and foreign tourists.
Notably, the concept of 'Purvodaya' was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 during the inauguration of a refinery by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited in Paradip, Odisha.
