PM Modi to inaugurate 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kolkata
The three-day convention will be held from January 7 to 9, 2027, to engage with the global Indian diaspora.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Kolkata, West Bengal, from January 7 to 9, 2027, according to The Tribune. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari jointly launched the convention website in New Delhi on Wednesday. This launch marks the start of online registrations for the event, which will be organised in partnership with the Government of West Bengal.
The convention's theme is ‘From Roots to Return: Reigniting Diaspora Connect with Bharat’. The three-day event will begin with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The annual occasion commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915.
Speaking at the launch, Jaishankar said Kolkata holds a special place in the history of the Indian diaspora as many Indians set sail from there for destinations including Mauritius, Fiji, and the Caribbean. He noted that India's economic growth and cultural vibrancy have generated significant international interest.
A special Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) Quiz was also launched on Wednesday. The quiz, available on the BharatVerse App and website, will run from November 11 to December 20, 2026. Winners from the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), People of Indian Origin (PIOs), and foreigners categories will be invited for a 10-day immersive tour of India.