Odisha Government Kicks Off 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Preparations
Deccan ChronicleBhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Monday conducted a Bhumi Pujan ceremony at Janta Maidan, Bhubaneswar, marking the official start of preparations for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention, scheduled from January 8 to 10, 2025. The event was attended by senior officials, including Hemant Sharma, principal secretary of the industries department, and Bhupendra Singh Poonia, managing director of Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation Limited and Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the gathering, while President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. “This mega event will showcase Odisha's rich cultural heritage and focus on connecting with the youth diaspora for India’s progress,” he said.