Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, as the name suggests, is an international platform which invites Indians overseas to engage and connect. Now, Indore is set to host the 17th round of this conference between January 8-10 with the theme of Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal. Given that renowned names like Zaneta Mascarenhas (Parliament member Australia) will be the one of the guests of honour, Indore is bucking up and making preparations for the many arriving guests.

Over 4,000 non-resident Indians (NRIs) are likely to participate in the conference and walk through the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore. In light of this, the state government is working towards enhancing the security, beauty and amenities at the airport. A special gate will be added for the smooth entry and exit of VIPs visiting the event. Additional spaces will be provided for taxi parking. Reception and selfie points will also appear at the inner hall of the airport.

Indore’s famous religious hub- Bijasan Tekri has new lidded dustbins installed by the airport management. They will be cleaned from time to time by the municipal corporation.  

Apart from this, the garbage dumping ground currently located at Sirpur Lake and Jawahar Tekri, which falls within 10 KMs radius of the airport, will also be shifted.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated once in every two years to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion because it was on this day in 1915, when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. This convention provides a forum to discuss issues and concerns of the Indian diaspora and honour those individuals who have made exceptional contributions to various fields.