18th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Inaugurated in Bhubaneswar: Showcasing Diaspora’s Role in India’s Vision for 2047

Themed “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” the convention celebrated the invaluable role of the Indian diaspora in nation-building and achieving the country’s developmental goals.

The 18th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) was inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on January 9, 2025, at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Themed “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” the convention celebrated the invaluable role of the Indian diaspora in nation-building and achieving the country’s developmental goals.

The event witnessed participation from Ministers, senior officials, and a large contingent of Pravasi Bharatiyas from across the globe.

MSME Highlights: From “Charkha to Chandrayaan”

Minister of State for MSME and Labour & Employment, Sushri Shoba Karandlaje, toured the MSME theme pavilions, which were designed to underscore India’s technological and artisanal prowess. Key highlights of the pavilions included:

• Prototype of Chandrayaan-3: Developed by the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar, the prototype showcased India’s space exploration achievements and its alignment with the “Make in India” initiative. CTTC played a significant role in manufacturing high-precision components for the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
• Technology Demonstrations: Advanced technologies like AR-VR hubs, drone technologies, and solar panel manufacturing units were displayed, reflecting India’s strides in innovation.

Focus on Traditional Crafts and Artisans

The Minister engaged with artisans demonstrating traditional crafts such as Khadi Charkhas, handlooms, and Paper Mache creations. These artisans represented India’s vibrant heritage and showcased the enduring relevance of indigenous crafts in today’s global market.

A special interaction with beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched on September 17, 2023, highlighted the scheme’s impact. This flagship initiative of the Ministry of MSME provides end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople working in 18 trades, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering grassroots entrepreneurs.

Showcasing India’s Strengths Across Sectors

The pavilion titled “Charkha to Chandrayaan” highlighted India’s advancements in sectors like:

• Medical Devices
• Aerospace Engineering
• Water Purification Technologies
• Indigenous crafts, including Tussar silk and coir products.

Sushri Karandlaje praised the MSME sector’s pivotal role in driving innovation and preserving India’s cultural heritage.

Engaging with the Diaspora

During the event, Sushri Karandlaje met members of the Indian diaspora from Dubai, emphasizing their role in promoting Indian culture and craftsmanship on a global scale. She encouraged them to reconnect with their roots and actively contribute to India’s developmental aspirations.

“The diaspora plays a crucial role in realizing Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” she stated.

Key Takeaways

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas reinforced the Indian government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of its diaspora. The focus on innovation, traditional craftsmanship, and global collaborations aligned with the broader vision of building a sustainable and prosperous India.

The event concluded with calls for stronger ties between India and its diaspora, positioning them as key partners in the country’s ambitious journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.