Odisha: President Murmu to Present Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu reached Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar to take part in the concluding session and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award ceremony.
She was joined by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This occasion is a significant moment to recognize the contributions of the Indian diaspora.
Minister of External Affairs of India Dr S. Jaishankar said in a post on X, "Honored to receive President Droupadi Murmu today at the #PravasiBharatiyaDivas2025 Convention in Odisha. @rashtrapatibhvn #PBD2025 #Odisha."
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention is the premier event organized by the Government of India, offering a crucial platform for connecting with the Indian diaspora and facilitating their interaction.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is being held in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, in partnership with the Odisha State Government.
The PBD convention is themed 'The Role of Overseas Indians in India's Development.' Numerous NRIs from over 50 nations have signed up to take part in the PBD Conference.
Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar emphasized the significance of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and underscored the accomplishments of Indians living abroad earlier in the day. He referred to it as an acknowledgment of their accomplishments and an encouragement to remain linked to their origins.
Kumar highlighted that the global Indian diaspora can significantly contribute to transforming India into a 'Developed India' by 2047. This will not only bridge India with the rest of the world but also aid in the nation's economic and geopolitical progress. Significantly, Ravi Kumar, along with 27 others, will be honored by President Murmu.
Speaking to the media, Kumar said, "The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, which is given by the Government of India to non-resident Indians, is a great honour for Indians living abroad. This year, there are around 27 awardees and they come from different fields – technology, business, arts, culture and different professions. It is a call to all the award winners to stay connected to the roots. "