Bhubaneswar: People will be allowed access to the exhibitions inaugurated on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
“A decision in this regard was taken today as the PBD venue houses many inspiring and enriching models depicting our rich culture and heritage. It will opened for general public, including students, until January 12 evening, coinciding with Vivekananda Jayanti. Besides, there will be cultural programmes,” Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida told reporters on Friday.
The event has been extended by another 48 hours and the entry will be free, she added.
Though the Deputy CM said that it would opened for public after the valedictory ceremony to be presided over by President Droupadi Murmu this evening, a government release later clarified that people will be allowed access on Saturday from 10 am.
Besides the 18th edition of PBD, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated four exhibitions, showcasing the vibrant & diverse culture of India, as part of the celebrations, honouring the contributions of the Indian diaspora across various fields.
>> Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana: This exhibition showcases the timeless appeal of the Ramayan which is an inalienable part of India’s cultural legacy. It contains nearly 150 exhibits — 66 Indian exhibits (paintings, puppets, masks, multimedia displays) and 80 foreign artefacts from about 17 foreign countries – a life-size piñata of Ravan procured from Mexico; a Ravanhatta, the musical instrument said to be played by the mythological figure, from Sri Lanka; Ramayana puppets and paintings from Indonesia; and idols of Ram and Hanuman from Fiji – highlighting the enduring global influence of the Ramayan on art, culture, and spirituality across the world.
>> Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat. This exhibition would acknowledge the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the development of technology in the world.
>> Spread and Evolution of Indian diaspora in the world with a special focus on Mandvi to Muscat. This exhibition will showcase rare documents of people who had migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman.
>> Heritage and Culture of Odisha: The exhibition will showcase the rich heritage and cultural traditions of Odisha through its different art and craft forms and highlight its illustrious legacy.
The exhibition also offers insights into India’s initiatives in science, technology, and art, demonstrating how the diaspora can contribute to the country’s progress.
