PM Modi Arrives in Bhubaneswar for 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Inauguration

Bhubaneswar, Jan 8 (UNI) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday evening for his two-day visit to Odisha, where he is set to inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention on Thursday.

Modi’s flight from Andhra Pradesh landed at Biju Patnaik International Airport, where he was warmly welcomed by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and state BJP President Manmohan Samal, among other dignitaries.

In a display of vibrant cultural heritage, Modi’s motorcade passed through the streets lined with excited citizens, where folk performances and cultural events were held at eight different locations. The city streets were beautifully illuminated with colorful lights, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Modi proceeded to Raj Bhavan under tight security, where he will spend the night ahead of his participation in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention at Janata Maidan. The three-day event, running from January 8 to January 10, is jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Odisha government. The theme for this year’s convention is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

On Thursday morning, Modi will attend the inaugural session of the convention at Janata Maidan and inaugurate four exhibitions showcasing the contributions of the Indian diaspora. He will also remotely flag off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the diaspora that will travel to significant cultural and religious sites across India.

This marks the fourth visit of PM Modi to Odisha since the general elections, following earlier visits in June, September, and November. He is also slated to return on January 28 for the Utkarsh Odisha Make-in-Odisha Conclave.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a key platform for connecting with the global Indian diaspora, facilitating cultural exchange, and discussing their role in India’s progress.