India Kenya Business Council Attends Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 in Bhubaneswar
India Kenya Business Council Attends Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 in Bhubaneswar
The 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2025, a prominent gathering celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora worldwide, was recently held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The event saw a distinguished delegation from the India Kenya Business Council (IKBC), including Chairman Mr. Abhishek Ran and Media Head Ms. Shubhrika Johary Mohitey, who participated in the vibrant discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering deeper bilateral ties between India and its global diaspora.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year since 2003 to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
The event was graced by several high-profile dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, and the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mr. Mohan Charan Majhi, who highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora in shaping the nation’s global presence. Prime Minister Modi underscored the role of the overseas Indian community in bridging cultures and driving economic growth through innovation and investment.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, recognizing outstanding achievements within the Indian diaspora. Among the recipients were two notable individuals from Africa: Dr. Kaushik Laxmidas Ramaiya from Tanzania, who received the prestigious award in the field of medicine, and Mr. Bonthala Subbaiah Setty Ramesh Babu from Uganda, honored for his exceptional contributions to community service.
Mr. Abhishek Rana, Chairman of the India Kenya Business Council, praised the event for its emphasis on strengthening India’s diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations with countries across the globe, particularly in Africa. He expressed the Council’s commitment to promoting greater business and investment exchanges between India and Kenya, encouraging cross-border collaborations that will further the mutual growth of both nations.
Ms. Shubhrika Johary Mohitey, committee member of the IKBC, shared her enthusiasm about the event’s focus on recognizing the achievements of the diaspora in various fields. She noted the importance of continued efforts to create platforms that allow Indian expatriates to contribute to their motherland’s progress while fostering international cooperation.
The event was not only a celebration of the incredible work done by Indians abroad but also an opportunity for forging stronger diplomatic and economic partnerships. As both the Indian government and the business community continue to recognize and engage with the Indian diaspora, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 reaffirmed the vital role that expatriates play in advancing the nation’s global influence.
The India-Kenya Business Council remains committed to promoting India-Africa ties and looks forward to further collaboration in the years ahead, ensuring that the connections made at this event continue to thrive.
About IKBC:
The India-Kenya business council is a bridge to exchange information on business, import- export, joint ventures, technology transfers, contract manufacturing tie up and other business opportunities in various sectors as well as investment promotion in both the countries.
The Council is putting efforts to take full advantage of Economic Cooperation Agreement between the countries and organize various activities to facilitate business atmosphere and create awareness for better business growth and investment promotion.
India Kenya Business Council