On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention. This biennial event celebrates the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland and serves as a platform to acknowledge their role in India’s development.
Theme of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
The theme for this year’s event was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). This theme highlights the importance of the Indian diaspora in the country’s growth and progress.
Event Details
The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Odisha government, took place from January 8 to January 10, 2025. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s journey toward achieving a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his address, urged Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to actively contribute to India’s development.
Contributions of the Young Diaspora
Minister Jaishankar emphasized the role of the young diaspora in enhancing India’s global image. He acknowledged their contributions to various sectors and how they are playing a key role in reshaping India’s future.
Odia Cuisine at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was not only a celebration of India’s progress but also an opportunity for guests to experience the rich culture of Odisha. Guests enjoyed a variety of traditional Odia dishes, including:
- Dalma (a mix of pulses and vegetables)
- Saga Muga (leaf-moong dal)
- Kukuda Aloo Jhola (chicken curry)
- Chenapoda (baked cheese sweet)
While North Indian and continental food options were available, the guests were particularly delighted by the local Odia cuisine.
NRI Guests’ Reactions to Odia Food
Several NRIs shared their experiences of tasting the traditional Odia food. K.V. Rathee, an NRI from Canada, expressed his delight in tasting dishes like Saga Muga, Dalma, Rasgulla, and Chaula Khiri. He praised the food for being flavorful without being overly spicy. Raman Tanga, another NRI, also complimented the hospitality and the sweetness of the Odia dishes, especially the Dalma and Chenapoda.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. Who inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention?
a) S. Jaishankar
b) Narendra Modi
c) Raman Tanga
d) K.V. Rathee
Answer: b) Narendra Modi
2. What was the theme of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
a) India’s Journey to a Developed Nation
b) Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat
c) Unity of the Indian Diaspora
d) Building a Global India
Answer: b) Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat
3. Which dishes did the NRI guests particularly enjoy at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
a) Dalma, Saga Muga, and Chenapoda
b) Biryani, Butter Chicken, and Naan
c) Pizza, Pasta, and Burgers
d) Dosa, Sambar, and Idli
Answer: a) Dalma, Saga Muga, and Chenapoda
4. What was External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s message to the NRIs and PIOs?
a) To invest in India’s economy
b) To contribute to the development of a Viksit Bharat
c) To stay connected with India through social media
d) To visit India regularly
Answer: b) To contribute to the development of a Viksit Bharat