EAM Jaishankar Hails 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as a Resounding Success

By A Staff Reporter

Bhubaneswar: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar commended the successful organization of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Jaishankar reflected on his experiences attending several PBDs in different capacities and noted that this year’s edition stood out for its quality and impact.

“I must tell you, I felt that this time, in many ways, it was a very good PBD. It was very well organized,” Jaishankar said. He added that the feedback from the Indian diaspora and the Odisha state government was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing the success of the collaborative effort.

Highlighting the cultural and historical depth of the event, Jaishankar spoke about the four exhibitions that were central to the convention. One focused on Odisha's rich heritage and its unique contributions to Indian culture. Another traced how the epic of the Ramayana has influenced various countries, showcasing its global resonance.

A maritime exhibition shed light on the historical movement of Indian communities, particularly from the western coast to Oman and beyond to regions like Mauritius. The fourth exhibition celebrated the significant contributions of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in shaping global narratives.

“The sense we got from our partner, the state government of Odisha, was again something very appreciative,” Jaishankar said, acknowledging Odisha’s vital role in hosting the event.