Jaishankar Launches 2027 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Website, Calls Diaspora India's 'Living Bridge'

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday launched the official website for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), announcing that the three-day convention will be held in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027. The event will be organised in collaboration with the West Bengal government.

Describing overseas Indians as a vital link between India and the rest of the world, Jaishankar called the diaspora India's "living bridge", highlighting its contribution to cultural exchange, innovation, knowledge and enterprise.

"The Indian diaspora, thereby, serves as a living bridge between India and the world," he said at the launch in New Delhi, which was also attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The theme of the 19th edition is 'From Roots to Return: Reigniting Diaspora Connect with Bharat'. Jaishankar said it aims to strengthen the cultural, ancestral and civilisational connections of overseas Indians with their country of origin, particularly among younger generations who have grown up abroad.

He noted that Indians who moved overseas in search of opportunities have established themselves in business, education, science, technology and public life. The diaspora, he said, is not just connected to India's past but is also an important stakeholder in its present and future.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, Jaishankar said overseas Indians could contribute to the country's development by sharing expertise, building international partnerships and exploring opportunities in India.

Explaining the choice of Kolkata as the host city, he highlighted its historical connection with Indian migration. Several Indians had departed from the city for Mauritius, Fiji and the Caribbean, carrying their languages, religious practices and cultural traditions to different parts of the world.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed around January 9 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa in 1915.

Jaishankar also announced a special edition of the Bharat Ko Janiye quiz on an AI-enabled public diplomacy platform. The competition will run for more than a month, with winners receiving an opportunity to undertake a 10-day tour of India. The platform will also feature games, quizzes, crosswords and puzzles throughout the year.

The newly launched website will provide information about the convention's programme, registration, travel arrangements, advisories and tourist attractions in and around Kolkata.