NEW DELHI: The official website for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention (pbdindia.gov.in) was jointly launched in New Delhi on November 11 by Union Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The flagship convention will take place in Kolkata, West Bengal, from January 7 to 9, 2027, organized in partnership with the Government of West Bengal.
Serving as a marquee event of the Government of India, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention provides a key platform to engage with the global Indian diaspora. Observed annually on January 9, the event commemorates the historic return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. The 19th edition aims to convene overseas Indians worldwide to celebrate their global achievements, deepen civilisational ties, and explore structured pathways for their sustained contributions to India’s national development.
The theme for the 19th Convention, ‘Return to Roots: Reigniting the Diaspora Connect with Bharat’, underscores the enduring cultural, emotional, and heritage links connecting non-resident Indians with their homeland. It also seeks to create dynamic engagement channels for the younger generation of overseas Indians to discover their heritage and actively participate in modern India’s growth story.
The three-day convention will open with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas segment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the main convention proceedings. President of India Droupadi Murmu will preside over the Valedictory Session and confer the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements of diaspora members in various fields and their role in bolstering India’s global engagement.
Alongside the convention portal, authorities introduced a revamped PBD Special ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’ (BKJ) Quiz. Utilizing modern gaming technology on the BharatVerse App and website (www.bkjquiz.com), the 24×7 digital public diplomacy platform offers interactive modules like puzzles, crosswords, and quizzes on Indian heritage, arts, and contemporary progress. Running from November 11 to December 20, 2026, the contest will reward winners across three categories—NRIs, PIOs, and Foreigners—with a 10-day fully sponsored tour of India and complimentary access to the Kolkata PBD convention.
The launch of pbdindia.gov.in formally opens online registrations for delegates worldwide. The digital portal serves as a comprehensive facilitation hub offering details on event schedules, registration protocols, accommodation arrangements, and logistical services for prospective participants.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com