The 17th edition of Indian global family meet officially known as Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) convention will begin with ‘Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ on January 8 at Cleanest City of the country, Indore. The theme of this year’s programme will be Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal’.

Inaugural session will be marked by the keynote address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and inauguration of PBD Exhibition by the Prime Minister on theme ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’- Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle. Special guest of honour, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname, special address by chief guest of PBD, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, will address the event. On the last day ie January 10, the Conferment of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2023 by the Honourable President of India will take place. The event is receiving excellent response at its initial phase itself. Convention has so far seen an enthusiastic response from the diaspora. According to the official statement more than 3,200 delegates from 66 countries have registered so far to be a part of the event. On January 8, ‘Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will address the event. Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, will chair the first plenary session on Role of Diaspora Youth in Innovations and New Technologies. Australian Member of Parliament and guest of honour, Zaneta Mascarenhas, will deliver a special address.

In this three-day event, five plenary sessions and a digital exhibition will be organised. The exhibition will be on the contribution of diaspora freedom fighters in laying the foundation of our country. Subjects of sessions will be- Healthcare Ecosystem, Soft Power of India- Craft, Cuisine & Creativity, mobility of Indian workforce, Women Diaspora Entrepreneurs. Event to be hosted in the Cleanest City of India.

It will be Zero Waste Event as officers touted. Postal Stamp ‘Surakshit Jaayen (Go Safe), Prashikshit Jaayen will be launched on the Day, dedicated to the Youth Pravasis.

The convention will conclude after the valedictory address by President of India Droupadi Murmu and Conferment of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2023.Valedictory and inaugural sessions will be addressed by Dr S Jaishankar, Minister for External Affairs, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Visitors will also have Shri Mahakaleshawar temple’s darshan during their visit to the State and arrangements are being made to give them an experience of Bhasma Aarti. They will also have an opportunity to meet previous year’s PBSA Awardees. And as complimentary, access to State Archaeological Monuments and Museum will be available for them.