The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, a flagship event of the Government of India, commenced in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Spanning three days, from January 8 to January 10, 2025, the event celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora towards the nation’s development. Themed “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, this year’s convention seeks to inspire and strengthen the bond between overseas Indians and their homeland.
Historical Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Observed biennially since its inception in 2003, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas honors the connection between India and its global diaspora. The date, January 9, commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915, marking a pivotal moment in India’s freedom movement. The first PBD convention, held on January 9, 2003, laid the foundation for recognizing the role of overseas Indians in shaping modern India.
Key Highlights of the 18th PBD Convention
This year’s event, organized in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, has brought together dignitaries, community leaders, and innovators from around the globe. The convention serves as a platform for networking, cultural exchange, and discussions on the diaspora’s role in realizing the vision of a developed India.
The PBD convention also includes the conferral of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to notable members of the diaspora who have made significant contributions to their host countries and India.
Legacy of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
At the 17th PBD Convention in 2023, H.E. President Draupadi Murmu honored 27 distinguished individuals, including Mr. Amit Lath from Poland. A prominent businessman, Mr. Lath was recognized for his pivotal role in evacuating Indian citizens during the Ukraine crisis and enhancing Indo-Polish business ties.
This year, 27 awardees have been recommended by the Jury-cum-Awards Committee for the prestigious honor. However, the absence of any recipients from Poland in 2025 has been noted.
Odisha as Host State
Hosting the PBD convention for the first time, Odisha offers attendees an opportunity to experience its rich cultural heritage and growing economic significance. The state’s proactive involvement in the event highlights its commitment to fostering deeper connections between India and its global diaspora.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention underscores the invaluable contributions of the overseas Indian community in building a stronger, more developed India. As the event unfolds, it promises to celebrate not just the achievements of the diaspora but also the enduring ties that bind them to their roots.
Following is the list of Awardees recommended by Jury-cum-Awards Committee for conferment of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025:
| Sr. No. | Name | Country | Field |
| 1. | Prof. Ajay Rane | Australia | Community Service |
| 2. | Dr. Marialena Joan Fernandes | Austria | Education |
| 3. | Dr. Philomena Ann Mohini Harris | Barbados | Medical Science |
| 4. | Swami Sanyuktanand | Fiji | Community Service |
| 5. | Saraswati Vidya Niketan | Guyana | Community Service |
| 6. | Dr. Lekh Raj Juneja | Japan | Science & Technology |
| 7. | Dr. Prem Kumar | Kyrgyz Republic | Medical Science |
| 8. | Mr. Soukthavy Chowdhury | Laos | Business |
| 9. | Mr. Krishna Savjani | Malawi | Business |
| 10. | ‘Tan Sri’ Dr. Subramaniam K.V. Sathasivam | Malaysia | Politics |
| 11. | Dr. Sarita Boodhoo | Mauritius | Community Service |
| 12. | Mr. Abhaya Kumar | Moldova | Business |
| 13. | Dr. Ram Niwas @ Hla Tun | Myanmar | Education |
| 14. | Mr. Jaggannath Shekhar Asthana | Romania | Business |
| 15. | Hindustani Samaj | Russia | Community Service |
| 16. | Ms. Sudha Rani Gupta | Russia | Education |
| 17. | Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed | Saudi Arabia | Medical Science |
| 18. | Mr. Atul Arvind Temurnikar | Singapore | Education |
| 19. | Mr. Robert Masih Nahar | Spain | Community Service |
| 20. | Dr. Kaushik Laxmidas Ramaiya | Tanzania | Medicine |
| 21. | H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT | Trinidad & Tobago | Public Affairs |
| 22. | Mr. Ramakrishnan Sivaswamy Iyer | UAE | Business |
| 23. | Mr. Bonthala Subbaiah Setty Ramesh Babu | Uganda | Community Service |
| 24. | Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar | UK | Politics |
| 25. | Dr. Sharad Lakhanpal | USA | Medicine |
| 26. | Dr. Sharmila Ford | USA | Community Service |
| 27. | Mr. Ravi Kumar S. | USA | Business (IT & Consulting) |
