The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2025 will take place in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, and a number of content producers and Indians living abroad have been invited to take part.
Participants have expressed their delight and willingness to visit India and connect with their heritage, and the city has been decorated to welcome the tourists.
According to Amit Kumar Senapathy, who is from Odisha, he feels like a winner already after traveling the globe.
“Over the last eleven or twelve years, I have been all over the globe. In terms of traveling here, this was a contest and organization supported by the Indian government. We are privileged to have been given the chance to visit this place, meet the locals, and take in the beautiful state of Odisha. Since we are from Odisha exclusively, it is a nice thing to return and meet the people who would take us to other locations. I’m eagerly anticipating it. I feel like I’ve won when I see that the event is taking place in Odisha. He told media, “I can look into the airport and the entire place is decked out and looking beautiful. Even the ambience looks so beautiful.”
The dates of the 5th Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz were November 11–December 11, 2024. In addition to engaging foreigners who are interested in learning more about India, the quiz is an attempt by the Indian government to improve ties with the Indian Diaspora, especially with the younger generation.
Two groups were used for the online test: i) Non-Resident Indians and ii) Persons of Indian Origin/Foreign Nationals, who were between the ages of 14 and 50. The quiz was completed by 1,08,876 participants from 203 nations and territories. Thirty quiz winners, fifteen in each category, have been invited to go to India from January 8–21, 2025, as part of the Bharat Ko Janiye Yatra (Know India Tour).
Another PBD member, Rashmita Senapati, told media that she was eager to see the nation on this trip.
“I’ve been in South Africa for the last eleven years, and we just arrived from Nigeria. I work for a London-based proctech company. And it was via my spouse that I learned about Bharat ko Janiye. So we took the test. We were also rather enthusiastic when we took the quiz. Additionally, all metrics were present this time. We felt as if we had answered all thirty questions. In 102 seconds, I answered 30 questions correctly.
I was thus quite certain that I would succeed. And I was very excited when I received the call from the High Commission of Nigeria. I have reviewed the agenda and am very thrilled. Those in charge of the country will attend the gathering. They are also showing us the Taj Mahal and other top attractions in India. Thus, one of the high points of Odisha is Konark. Therefore, I am very, really looking forward to that,” she told media.
Shami from Mauritius expressed her eagerness to get more knowledge about Indian culture via the program.
“Even though this is my first time, I’m delighted to be here and make connections. I’m thrilled to be here, for that reason. He said, “I’m really excited to find out more about this and to share with other people around the world who came specifically for this occasion.”
Nishibihari, a native of Mauritius, told media that she has strong ties to Indian culture since her ancestors immigrated to Mauritius from India.
“In addition to being an actor-comedian, I also produce and create material. I am so happy to be here for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Since I could be experiencing new things here with you, I’m very excited to share all of them with my audience and with you all. And I’m very excited. My grandparents traveled by sea from India to Mauritius in order to work. India has always had a special place in my heart as, up till now, it has greatly influenced my religion, culture, and personal style,” she remarked.
Damien, a Nishibihari employee from Mauritius, expressed his pride at being present.
“I generate movies and videos. In addition, I provide material for influencer marketers. Nishibiari, the top influencer in Mauritius, is someone I create. Being here makes us immensely proud. Meeting you at this incredible event is a true honor for us as we go to India for the first time,” he remarked.
Poet Aman Haider, who resides in Dubai, claimed to have attended every Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event in its past iterations.
“I’ve spent the previous fifteen years living in Dubai. We always rush and arrive when Parvatiye Bharatiya summons us on that day. I am ecstatic. We always look forward to seeing our homeland. Every time we visit a new location every two years, we think that India is enormous. I believe that Abul Kalam, our president, said that he would only leave after he was able to go all India. We are the same way. This is my first visit to Odisha as well. I intend to remain in Rishikesh. The problem is that the country’s land is beckoning to us,” he said.
From January 8–10, 2025, the winners will begin their India tour in Odisha, where they will take part in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar. The recipients have the chance to explore and get a deeper grasp of India’s history, culture, and current events via the tour.
With an emphasis on information sharing, economic networking, and cultural interaction, the 18th PBD seeks to deepen relations between India and its diaspora.
Thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and content producers from all around the globe have attended the event.
Bhubaneswar is prepared to make the 18th PBD an unforgettable event for all attendees because to its rich cultural legacy and friendly hospitality.
