President Droupadi Murmu will present the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA) today during the closing session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
These awards honour the achievements of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and organizations led by them, recognizing their contributions in various fields around the world.
A total of 27 individuals and organizations from countries such as the United States, Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, Moldova, Myanmar, Russia, and Saudi Arabia will be honoured. Prominent awardees include:
- Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar (UK): Recognized for her contributions in politics.
- Dr. Sharmila Ford (US): Honored for her dedication to community service.
- Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed (Saudi Arabia): Celebrated for his advancements in medical science.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced the list of awardees on January 3, 2025. These awards recognize exceptional contributions in various fields, including education, science and innovation, trade and industry, arts and culture, social work, public service, and philanthropy.
President Murmu arrived in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, where she was warmly welcomed by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and other dignitaries at the Bhubaneswar Airport. She is scheduled to deliver the closing remarks at the convention, which began on January 8.
The three-day convention, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has seen significant participation, with approximately 5,000 delegates from around the world. Key highlights of the convention include:
1. The event commenced with the inauguration of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Young delegates engaged in discussions about the role of youth in shaping India’s future.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the convention at Janata Maidan, emphasizing the Indian diaspora’s role in achieving India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. During his address, PM Modi highlighted:
– The importance of peace, stating, “The future is not in ‘Buddha’ (war) but in Buddha (peace).”
– The contributions of the diaspora to India’s global image and economic growth.
– He also remotely flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed to showcase India’s cultural, historical, and religious heritage to the diaspora. This three-week journey will visit iconic destinations across India.
3. The convention featured four exhibitions inaugurated by PM Modi:
– Vishwaroop Ram: Showcasing the global legacy of the Ramayana.
– Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology: Celebrating innovations by the Indian diaspora.
– Bharat Bharatiya: Swadesh Pardes: Documenting the migration of people from Gujarat to Oman.
– Heritage and Culture of Odisha: Highlighting Odisha’s rich history and traditions.
The awards ceremony will conclude the convention. In her speech, President Murmu will reflect on the significant role of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in India’s progress and their ongoing contributions to global society.
