Bhubaneswar, Jan 9: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday arrived in Bhubaneswar on her two-day visit to Odisha during which she will grace the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention.

Odisha Governor Kambhampati Hari Babu, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi along with other senior leaders welcomed President Murmu after her arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar this evening.

From the airport, the President went to the Raj Bhavan where she would spend the night.

President Murmu is scheduled to grace the valedictory session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in the city tomorrow.

She will also confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman upon members of the Indian diaspora to recognise their achievements in various fields.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention at Janata Maidan in the State Capital.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister praised the NRIs for their significant role in global development and contribution to India's growth story.

PM Modi highlighted the role of Indian values in gaining global respect for the diaspora. He also emphasized crucial role of Indian diaspora in transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047.

The three-day long convention kicked off here on Wednesday with more than 6,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from about 75 countries participating in it.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the State capital for the three-day convention.

Around 2,700 police personnel along with 1,200 central forces’ personnel were deployed in Bhubaneswar for security and traffic management, a senior officer said.

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