Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Welcoming the delegates, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that hosting the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is a matter of pride for the state as the three-day event kickstarted here at the Janata Maidan, Wednesday.

"Your presence (addressing the delegates) has brought a wave of happiness to Bhubaneswar. It will be a memorable event for everyone," said CM Majhi in his welcome speech. "Organising this programme is a matter of pride for Odisha," he added.

He said that the overseas Indians are the pride and ambassador of Indian culture. "We believe, you will share this experience with the world. Indian immigrants have contributed a lot to the development of India," stated CM Majhi.

He urged the delegates to visit the Konark Surya Temple, Puri Shreemandir, Chilika along with many more tourist places, and to enjoy the natural beauties of Odisha. He also urged them to try some authentic Odia cuisines like Dalma, Chhenapoda, Rasagola etc. "It will strengthen your bond with Odisha," said the Chief Minister.

Speaking about technology, CM Majhi said that the state is now progressing in the field of IT and skill development. "Odisha has great potential in technology, renewable energy, education and tourism. We appreciate your achievements," noted CM Majhi.

He also thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for giving Odisha the opportunity to host the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention.

EAM Jaishankar and Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports as well as Labour and Employment, are also present at the event.

The three-day event, based on the theme "Diaspora's contribution to a Viksit Bharat", will be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the second day of the convention. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to grace the event with her presence on the concluding day -- Friday.

A large number of Indian diaspora members from over 50 different countries have registered to participate in the PBD Convention.

Odisha Deputy CM KV Singh Deo welcomed the delegates of the three-day event. He added that the state will show its rich culture to the world during the event.

"I would like to welcome all the delegates who are visiting Odisha for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas starting today. Odisha has a great concept of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' and we welcome everyone to the land of Lord Jagannath. I am sure their experience in Odisha will be memorable and they will come forward to invest in Odisha," said the Deputy CM.

Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, will be the chief guest of the 18th PBD, and she will be virtually addressing the convention. South Africa's High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal said on Tuesday that it is a great privilege to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Odisha's Bhubaneswar and recalled the memories of PBD held in Varanasi in 2019.

Meanwhile, Puri Superintendent of Police Vineet Agrawal has said that dedicated efforts are being made to ensure seamless experiences for visitors at key tourist spots across the region.

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