Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Make NRIs Feel Welcome & At Home, CM Appeals To Odisha [Watch]

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Tuesday exhorted people of Odisha to roll out red carpets for the 7,500 delegates from across the globe, who are scheduled to participate, in the event to be held in Bhubaneswar from January 8-10.

“Indians from all over the world are coming to Odisha to attend the three-day event, starting tomorrow. It is a great opportunity to showcase the rich art, culture and heritage of Odisha to the world. The twin cities have been completely cleaned and sanitised to provide a beautiful and harmonious experience,” the CM said in a video message.

Majhi further stated that the delegates will be visiting different places of tourist attraction in the state during their stay in Bhubaneswar. “We have to make them feel welcome and at home and also help them out if need be. It is also our responsibility to keep the roads and streets clean. Let us all together make this Pravasi Bharatiya Divas a success and strive to ensure that the NRIs have the best experience of their lives in Odisha,” he said, stressing India’s firm belief in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the earth is one family.

Notably, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being celebrated on January 9 since 2003 to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India.

Earlier in the day, Minister of Housing & Urban Development and Public Enterprise Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra had appealed to residents of Bhubaneswar to decorate their homes as they do during Diwali, to celebrate the upcoming three-day event. “Let’s light up our houses, clean our surroundings, and decorate the entrance with Rangoli and flowers. Commercial establishments, including petrol pumps, should also be decorated and maintain cleanliness,” he said.

He added that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas would bring international recognition to Odisha and put spotlight on its rich culture, food, lifestyle, and history.

Preparations in full swing

Bhubaneswar is already bustling with activity with Odisha art is on the walls and fences. Janata Maidan, the venue for the event, has been transformed into a vibrant hub with a blend of traditional and contemporary decor. Streets leading to it are decorated with colorful banners, flags, and light displays.

The event will feature four themed exhibitions: the universal legacy of the Ramayana, the diaspora’s contribution to technology and Viksit Bharat, Indian migrants from Mandvi, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman, and the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. There will also be cultural performances to highlight the state’s rich heritage.

Special care has been taken to ensure that the infrastructure is world-class, with state-of-the-art facilities set up for the smooth conduct of the event.

The CM had earlier said that his government intends to showcase Odisha not only as a potential investment hub but also as a state with rich cultural history, leaving a lasting impression on the delegates.

Prime Minister Naredra Modi will inaugurate the 18th edition of the convention on January 9 and the chief guest Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, will address the gathering virtually.

In a special initiative, the PM will also virtually flag off the inaugural journey of Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a dedicated tourist train for the Indian diaspora. The train will embark on a three-week journey from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi, covering key religious and tourist destinations across India under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Security arrangements & traffic restrictions

At least 90 platoons of police force, including 500 officers, and 12 companies of CAPFs will be deployed in the state capital for security, maintenance of law and order and traffic management during the convention.

Traffic restrictions will be imposed from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Raj Bhavan via Capital Hospital and AG Square between 7.50 pm and 8.20 pm on Wednesday.

On Thursday, vehicular movement will be prohibited from Raj Bhavan to Nalco Square via Power House Square, 120 Battalion, Shastri Nagar, Behera Sahi, Jaydev Vihar and Xavier Square between 9.30 am and 10 am; from Nalco Square to BPIA via Xavier Square, Jaydev Vihar, Behera Sahi, Shastri Nagar, 120 Battalion, Power House, Raj Bhavan, AG Square and Capital Hospital between 11.20 am and 12 pm and; from BPIA to Raj Bhavan from 4.20 pm to 4.50 pm.

On Friday, the stretch from Raj Bhavan to Nalco Square will remain closed for commuters between 11.20 am and 11.50 am and from Nalco Square and airport from 4.50 pm to 5.25 pm.

Parallel events in city

Bhubaneswar will see multiple events, coinciding with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The city is currently hosting Ekamra Utsav, Adivasi Mela, Ekamra Kanan Flower Show, Chilika Bird Festival, Rajarani Music Festival, Mukteshwar Dance Festival, Odissi Dance Festival and Tribal Dance and Folk Art Festival. A night flea market is also being set up at the Exhibition Ground here from January 8-10.