It finally ended on an upbeat note. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention concluded amidst much fanfare in Bhubaneswar today, with representatives from all the nooks of the world reiterating how the Indian diaspora presents a united entity and exudes influence.

Day three, the final day - Friday - ended with much frenzy, as everybody appeared to be rejoicing over something. For delegates like Maitri Joshi from Addis Ababa, the event goes a long way in uniting the Indian diaspora. It would be a great honor for the entire Indian diaspora to attend this event that brings people from all corners of the world under one roof. PBD, above all, becomes a platform wherein we can discuss our experiences and cultures. Here, through the event, we will guide the world towards an integrated direction. This is not just strengthening India's unity, but also India's influence on the global front", she added. Joshi further said the gathering is a celebration of heritage and aspirations shared together.

Fourth-generation Indian settled in Malaysia, Thashidaran Tharmar, also shares pride in the initiative. "This event brings Indians from all over the world to one platform, with this time the venue being the culturally rich state of Odisha. I am highly proud to be here and call myself an Indian", he said. Tharmar praised the Government of India for organizing the event in Odisha, offering delegates an opportunity to explore the state's culture and heritage, besides the business opportunities available there. He added that for the Indian diaspora, the convention instilled a deep sense of belonging, reconnecting them with their roots regardless of how many generations had passed since their ancestors settled abroad.

This annual event to commemorate the Indian diaspora's contribution was a perfect platform for cultural exchange and deliberations on global challenges. It also offered an opportunity to further consolidate India's relations with its overseas communities. Around 5,000 delegates attended the sessions that took place over the last three days, which discussed economic cooperation, technology, and cultural preservation.

The convention was concluded on Thursday with a formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Janata Maidan. In his speech, the Prime Minister underlined that the Indian diaspora is instrumental in shaping India's future and promoting global harmony.

PBD is celebrated annually on January 9 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915. This year’s convention in Bhubaneswar saw inspiring participation from the Indian diaspora, strengthening its role as a bridge between India and the world.