The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2025, scheduled to be held from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, marks a significant moment in the country’s celebration of the Indian diaspora and their invaluable contributions to India’s growth. This year, the event will take on added significance as it is being hosted in Odisha, a state that is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s development over the coming decades.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha is becoming an integral part of the nation’s ambitious growth strategy, particularly in alignment with the PM’s vision of Purvoday—the Rise of Eastern India as a key driver of national prosperity. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the Indian diaspora while showcasing the transformative journey of Odisha as a major player in India’s economic and cultural resurgence.
What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, celebrated every year on January 9, commemorates the return of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi during 1915 to India from South Africa who later on led India’s freedom struggle and became Mahatma Gandhi. The day honours the Indian diaspora across the globe and acknowledges the significant role that overseas Indians have played in strengthening India’s economy, culture, and global standing. The three-day celebration in Bhubaneswar will serve as a key platform for global Indians to engage with the country’s growth story, explore investment opportunities, and contribute to India’s evolving future.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 is a unique occasion for both the state of Odisha and the Indian diaspora. This gathering will highlight the state’s growing influence in shaping India’s economic and industrial landscapes, while also aligning with PM Modi’s goal of fostering inclusive growth and development across the eastern part of India. It also showcases PM Modi’s keen interest in putting Odisha on a rapid growth path.
Bhubaneswar: A City of Growth and Innovation
Bhubaneswar, often referred to as the Temple City of India, has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic cities. Known for its cultural heritage, the city is also transforming into a hub for technology, education, and industrial development. In recent years, Bhubaneswar has seen a remarkable improvement in infrastructure, urban planning, and connectivity, making it an attractive destination for both national and international investors.
The choice of Bhubaneswar to host the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 is not merely symbolic—it reflects the city’s growing importance as a centre for economic and technological innovation. From the development of the Bhubaneswar Smart City Project to the increasing presence of IT parks and educational institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Bhubaneswar and many others, the city is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s smart city revolution and digital transformation.
By hosting the event, Bhubaneswar will offer a comprehensive view of how urban planning, cultural ethos, sustainable development, and technological growth are intersecting to create a robust foundation for a prosperous future. It will also reflect how Odisha is playing an active role in PM Modi’s Purvoday—the vision for the upliftment of Eastern India.
Odisha’s Role in Nation Building: The Vision of Purvoday
The Purvoday literally meaning Rise of the East initiative, outlined by PM Modi, is a comprehensive vision for the economic, industrial, and infrastructural transformation of India’s eastern states, including Odisha. Historically, Eastern India has faced challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, low industrialization, and underutilization of natural resources. However, through targeted reforms, investment incentives, and a focus on inclusive development, Odisha is rapidly emerging as a key contributor to India’s growth narrative.
Key areas in which Odisha is contributing to nation building include:
Mineral and Resource-based Industries: Odisha is rich in minerals, including coal, iron ore, bauxite, and manganese. The state accounts for a significant portion of India’s mineral output, making it a critical player in the country’s industrialization and infrastructure development. Odisha has 25% of India’s iron reserves. It has 10% of India’s production capacity in steel. Odisha is the top aluminium producing state in India. Two of the largest aluminium plants in India are in Odisha, NALCO and Vedanta. The state is increasingly focusing on leveraging these resources for sustainable growth, attracting investment in industries like steel, aluminium, and energy production.
Green Energy: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has kept its commitment to advancing green energy in Odisha by approving significant funding for renewable energy projects. These initiatives, covering diverse sectors like solar power, hydropower, and ethanol production, align with Odisha’s ambitious renewable energy target of achieving 10 GW capacity by 2030. More than Rs. 3,000 crores have been sanctioned for this purpose. It shows Odisha’s potential in Energy sector and the value addition it is going to make to India’s future energy plan.
Manufacturing and Industrial Growth: Odisha is actively promoting itself as a manufacturing hub under the Make in India initiative. The state has established several industrial zones, particularly in sectors such as heavy industries, automobiles, textiles, and food processing, etc. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, promote skill development, and contribute to India’s manufacturing prowess.
Infrastructure Development and Connectivity: The state has made significant strides in improving its transportation and logistics infrastructure. From upgrading ports along the eastern coastline to improving roadways, railways, and airports, Odisha is enhancing its connectivity within India and with international markets.
The Bhubaneswar airport, for instance, is expanding its capacity to accommodate international flights, while Paradip port continues to emerge as a major trade gateway and Gopalpur Port is coming up under the aegis of Adani Group.
Tourism and Culture: Odisha’s cultural heritage, from the iconic Konark Sun Temple to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, offers immense potential for sustainable tourism. The state is increasingly investing in the development of cultural tourism that attracts both domestic and international visitors, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
Human Capital and Education: With institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar, AIIMS, NIT, NISER, and many other educational centres, Odisha is shaping a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. These educational investments play a crucial role in PM Modi’s push for a knowledge economy and skill development, which is essential for India’s future global competitiveness.
The Indian Diaspora’s Role in Odisha’s Growth
The Indian diaspora, particularly those with roots in Odisha, plays an important role in the state’s development. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will provide an opportunity for overseas Odia professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who are fondly called as Non Resident Odias (NRO) to engage with Odisha’s growth prospects. By bringing together global Indians and regional policymakers, the event will encourage partnerships and collaborations aimed at fostering business, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The diaspora’s role in knowledge transfer, investments, and even facilitating trade relations will be vital in accelerating Odisha’s development. Many members of the diaspora have already made significant contributions to India’s growth, and their involvement will help ensure that Odisha remains on the path to sustainable and inclusive development.
PM Modi’s Purvoday Vision: Empowering Odisha for a New Future
PM Modi’s Purvoday vision for the East is aimed at unlocking the untapped potential of states like Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. With both BJP Governments in Centre and in Odisha, through investments in infrastructure, industry, education, tourism and technology, Odisha is poised to become one of the leading contributors to India’s economic resurgence. The government’s policies are creating a favourable environment for businesses to flourish, while also ensuring that development is inclusive, bringing prosperity to both urban and rural areas.
As part of this vision, Odisha’s growing role as a manufacturing hub, energy producer, and cultural epicentre will be central to India’s economic strategy in the coming years. By focusing on sustainable development, inclusive growth, and global connectivity, Odisha is well-positioned to play a critical role in fulfilling PM Modi’s goal of transforming India into a $5 trillion economy and a global powerhouse.
Plenary Sessions of 18th PBD2025:
- Plenary Session I: Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World
- Plenary Session II: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills
- Plenary Session III: Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development
- Plenary Session IV: Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti
- Plenary Session V: Diaspora Dialogues: Stories of Culture, Connection, and Belongingness
Odisha’s Journey of Transformation
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 in Bhubaneswar will be a defining moment for both the Indian diaspora and the state of Odisha. It will not only celebrate the contributions of the global Indian community but will also highlight the state’s increasing importance in shaping India’s future. It will be a testing time for the newly formed BJP Govt in Odisha led by Shri Mohan Charan Majhi and the team is all set to make the program a grand success. As the plenary sessions suggest, Youth Development, Women Empowerment, Green Energy and Cultural Influence will be the focus areas for an overall sustainable development of India during the 3-day mega-event. With the changing Global Employment scenario where a majority of foreign countries are shifting focus towards Indian skilled youth-force, it will be an opportune time for the Indian Diaspora to contribute to those demands.
With PM Modi’s Purvoday vision driving the development of Eastern India, Odisha along with the Vision Odisha 2036 & 2047 stands at the cusp of a new era of growth, innovation, and prosperity. The Govt is aggressively devoted to establish a Vikshit Odisha for a Vikashit Bharat agenda. By leveraging its natural resources, human capital, and strategic location, Odisha is set to play a leading role in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in the coming decades. With a rich cultural heritage and potential tourist destinations, the visit of the delegates of the 18th PBD2025 is surely going to be enthralling and successful for everyone.
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