The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention commenced today at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, Odishaha. The event was formally inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh L. Mandaviya.
The three-day conference began with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and will feature various plenary sessions, cultural programmes, and exhibitions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the event tomorrow, while President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on January 10 .
Around 7,000 overseas Indian guests are expected to participate in the conference, which aims to showcase Odisha's rich culture, traditions, and tourist attractions. The state government has made elaborate arrangements to welcome the guests, including traditional music and cultural performances .
The conference will also feature visits to 21 tourist destinations in Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Jajpur, as well as exhibitions like the Bhubaneswar Flower Exhibition, Mukteswar Mahotsav, and Chilika Mahotsav .