Over 300 Indians from Oman to attend Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention took place from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, aimed at celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated four exhibitions, highlighting India’s rapid progress and its commitment to meet global demands for skilled talent. The convention attracted participants from over 50 countries and emphasized the vital role of the diaspora in promoting Indian values globally. Modi expressed gratitude to the diaspora for their sustained support and contributions, reiterating the government’s commitment to their welfare, especially in crisis situations. The event included notable leaders such as Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who joined the Prime Minister to underscore India's modernizing vision. Jaishankar expressed delight over the convention, emphasizing its goal of reconnecting the diaspora with India's developmental objectives. The theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” was pivotal in nurturing ties between the diaspora and their homeland. It served as a platform for discussing strategies to align diaspora contributions with India’s future growth. In an impressive show of unity, a record delegation from Oman comprising over 300 members participated in the convention. This delegation represented a diverse mix of Indian expatriates, including business leaders and community figures, underscoring their significant ties to both Oman and India. During the launch at an Embassy ceremony, Indian Ambassador to Oman, Amit Narang, introduced a special “PRAVASI FROM OMAN” logo, which symbolizes the historical journey of Indians in Oman and celebrated their heritage through merchandise kits distributed among the delegates. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention not only focused on the successes of the Indian diaspora but also included a special exhibition showcasing the history of Indians in Oman. This exhibition, curated by India's National Archives, presented digitized documents from the Indian merchant families who have historically resided in Oman. Furthermore, discussions at the convention featured prominent speakers from the Omani Indian diaspora, enriching the dialogue around culture, contributions, and connections, and demonstrating the enduring relationship between Indians overseas and their homeland.