Jaishankar, Bengal CM launch 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas website for Kolkata 2027
Synopsis
India's flagship diaspora gathering is heading to Kolkata for the 19th time — and the government has fired the starting gun with a joint Centre-state website launch by EAM Jaishankar and West Bengal CM Adhikari. With PM Modi set to inaugurate and President Murmu to confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in January 2027, the 'Return to Roots' edition is poised to be one of the most high-profile PBD conventions in recent years.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar and West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari launched the official website for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on 11 November 2026 .
The convention will be held in Kolkata from 7 to 9 January 2027 , opening with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas .
Theme: 'Return to Roots: Reigniting the Diaspora Connect with Bharat' .
PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the convention; President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards .
A PBD Special Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) Quiz runs from 11 November to 20 December 2026 ; winners receive a 10-day immersive India tour .
Online registrations for the convention are now open via the newly launched website.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 jointly launched the official website for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, scheduled to be held in Kolkata from 7 to 9 January 2027. The launch, held in New Delhi, also marks the opening of online registrations for the flagship diaspora engagement event of the Indian government.
Theme and Significance
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the theme of the convention as 'Return to Roots: Reigniting the Diaspora Connect with Bharat'. The theme, according to the MEA, celebrates the deep-rooted civilisational, cultural and emotional bonds of the Indian diaspora with their motherland, and seeks to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of overseas Indians to rediscover their heritage and engage with contemporary India.
The PBD Convention is observed annually on 9 January to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on 9 January 1915. The three-day convention will open with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, underlining the government's focus on engaging younger members of the diaspora.
Key Highlights of the Convention
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the convention, while President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session and confer the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. The awards recognise exceptional contributions of members of the Indian diaspora in their respective fields and their role in strengthening India's engagement with the global community.
The convention will bring together diaspora members from across the world to celebrate their achievements, strengthen ties with India, and explore avenues for continued engagement and contribution to India's growth.
BKJ Quiz and Digital Outreach
Alongside the PBD website, a PBD Special Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) Quiz was also launched. The revamped quiz leverages the latest gaming technology and is available on the BharatVerse App and website (www.bkjquiz.com). It features interactive modules including quizzes, puzzles, crosswords, word search, and guessing games to connect participants with India's heritage, culture, art, and contemporary achievements.
The PBD Special Quiz will run from 11 November to 20 December 2026. Winners across three categories — Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), People of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Foreigners — will be invited for a 10-day immersive tour of India and will also participate in the PBD celebrations in Kolkata.
What the Website Offers
The newly launched website serves as a comprehensive facilitation platform for prospective participants. It will provide details of the convention programme, registration procedures, accommodation options, logistics, and other relevant arrangements. Notably, the launch of the website formally opens the registration window for delegates wishing to attend the Kolkata convention.
With the 19th edition set to be held in West Bengal — the first time the convention returns to Kolkata — the joint launch by the External Affairs Minister and the state's Chief Minister signals a coordinated Centre-state effort to make the event a landmark moment for the Indian diaspora.
Point of View
Bringing West Bengal, with its large diaspora connections, into the Centre's diplomatic calendar. The 'Return to Roots' theme is notably more emotionally resonant than previous editions, suggesting the government is trying to deepen cultural traction with second- and third-generation overseas Indians who may feel their ties thinning. The BKJ Quiz's gamification push is a small but telling detail: diaspora engagement is moving from formal conventions to always-on digital touchpoints, and India's soft-power machinery is slowly catching up to that reality.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention?
The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be held in Kolkata from 7 to 9 January 2027. The three-day event will open with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and conclude with a valedictory session presided over by President Droupadi Murmu.
What is the theme of the 19th PBD Convention?
The theme is 'Return to Roots: Reigniting the Diaspora Connect with Bharat'. It celebrates the civilisational, cultural and emotional bonds of the Indian diaspora with India and aims to engage the next generation of overseas Indians with their heritage and contemporary India.
How can I register for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention?
Online registrations are now open through the official PBD Convention website, which was launched on 11 November 2026. The website provides details on the programme, registration procedures, accommodation, and logistics for prospective participants.
What is the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz and who can participate?
The PBD Special Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) Quiz is an interactive online quiz available on the BharatVerse App and www.bkjquiz.com, running from 11 November to 20 December 2026. It is open to NRIs, People of Indian Origin, and Foreigners; winners in each category will receive a 10-day immersive tour of India and an invitation to the Kolkata PBD celebrations.
Why is the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated on 9 January every year?
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed on 9 January to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on 9 January 1915. The annual convention, a flagship event of the Indian government, uses that date to celebrate and engage with the global Indian diaspora.
