18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Programme
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas programme is slated to occur in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10.
Chief Guest
- Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo is the chief guest.
- President Kangaloo is a descendant of Indian indentured workers who migrated to the Caribbean in the late 1800s.
- Her professional background includes a legal career starting in the 1990s and entering politics in 2001.
- She has held various ministerial positions, covering portfolios such as legal affairs, and science and technology.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
President Droupadi Murmu will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman during the valedictory session of the PBD Convention.
- The award recognizes the achievements of the Indian diaspora in multiple fields.
- Prominent awardees include:
- Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar from the UK for her contributions in politics.
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- Dr. Sharmila Ford from the US for community service.
- Several institutions have also been recognized.
Selection Process
- The award recipients for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) 2025 were recommended by a Jury-cum-Awards Committee.
- The PBSA is the highest honor bestowed upon overseas Indians.