PBD 2027: Kolkata to Spotlight Youth, Innovation and India’s Global Diaspora

The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) Convention will be held in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027, with the three-day event set to bring together members of the Indian diaspora and stakeholders from different professional fields.

The convention will be organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership with the West Bengal government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event, while President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards and preside over the valedictory session.

A dedicated Youth PBD will form part of the convention, with young members of the diaspora expected to participate alongside entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, innovators and other stakeholders from across the world.

The PBD is observed on January 9 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. The first PBD was held in 2003, and since 2015, the main convention has been organised once every two years.

The convention provides a platform for overseas Indians to interact with the government and people of India and discuss areas of mutual interest. Previous editions have included participation from diaspora members, policymakers, business leaders, academics, professionals and young representatives.

The 2027 edition is expected to include discussions and interactions involving areas such as youth participation, entrepreneurship, innovation, knowledge exchange and professional networks. However, the detailed programme, including specific sessions and speakers, is yet to be announced.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, presented during the convention, recognise individuals and organisations for their contributions in various fields and for strengthening India’s engagement with the global Indian community.

The Kolkata convention will provide an opportunity for Indian diaspora members from different countries to participate in discussions and programmes focused on their links with India. The event will also bring younger members of the overseas Indian community into the convention through the dedicated Youth PBD segment.

The 19th PBD Convention will be the latest edition of the biennial event, continuing a platform that brings the Indian diaspora together with representatives and stakeholders from India.