Bhubaneswar, January 4 (IANS). Odisha is all set to host the 18th ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ (PBD) for the first time. It will be organized from 8 to 10 January at Janta Maidan in the capital Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra spoke exclusively to IANS on Saturday regarding this event.
DCP Pinak Mishra said that the security system of Bhubaneswar has been strengthened. “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be organized on January 8, 9 and 10. It is being organized in Bhubaneswar for the first time, many delegates and VVIPs from across the world will participate in the session,” he said.
He said, “We have made strong security arrangements. We have security at the airport, accommodation places and the venue. A total of 80 platoons of police are deployed, apart from this we have got 10 companies of Central Police Force. Many officers of various ranks have been deployed. Responsibility has been given for different areas and different aspects of security.
Let us tell you that Odisha is ready to host the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) for the first time, which will be organized from January 8 to 10. Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is celebrated to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. Started in 2003, the conference celebrates the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of the country.
Since 2015, the event is organized every two years to strengthen the engagement of NRIs with the Government of India and reconnect them with their cultural roots.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Bhubaneswar on January 8 at 8 pm by a special Air Force aircraft. This will be his first visit to Odisha in 2025. On January 9, he will participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
The Odisha government has made elaborate arrangements for the event. This also includes setting up a control room and helpline. The Commissionerate Police has introduced a special mascot, “HAPFY” along with a chatbot to assist the attendees during the mega event.
–IANS
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