The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention is scheduled to be held in Indore from January 8-10. It holds significance as it is being organised as a physical event after a gap of four years.

The last PBD Convention in 2021 was held virtually during the pandemic.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the theme of this PBD Convention is “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”. Over 3,500 diaspora members from nearly 70 different countries have registered for the PBD Convention.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is the flagship event of the Government of India. It provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians and to enable the Diaspora to interact with each other.

The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organised in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh government. It will have three segments. On January 8, the inauguration of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in partnership with the Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports. Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas, Member of Parliament of Australia, will be the Guest of Honour at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

On January 9, the PBD Convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will feature speeches by the chief guest, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and the Special Guest of Honour, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname.

A commemorative postal stamp ‘Surakshit Jaayen, Prashikshit Jaayen’ will be released to underline the importance of safe, legal, orderly and skilled migration.

The prime minister will also inaugurate the first-ever digital PBD Exhibition on the theme “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle” to highlight the contribution of our Diaspora freedom fighters in India’s Independence. In view of India’s ongoing Presidency of the G20, a special Town Hall will also be organised on January 9.

On January 10, President Droupadi Murmu will give away Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2023 and preside over the valedictory session. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are conferred on select Indian Diaspora members to recognise their achievements and honour their contributions to various fields, both in India and abroad.