External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention website, announcing Kolkata as the host city for January 7–9, 2027, alongside online registration and a special Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday, November 11, jointly launched the official website for the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention 2027, which will be held in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027. The launch marks the beginning of online registration for the three-day international event aimed at strengthening India’s engagement with its global diaspora.
The convention is a flagship initiative of the Government of India and serves as an important platform for connecting overseas Indians with their ancestral homeland. It brings together members of the Indian diaspora, government representatives, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, young leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate their achievements and explore opportunities for greater cooperation with India.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the 19th edition of the convention will focus on strengthening the historical, cultural, civilisational and emotional connections between overseas Indians and their motherland. The event will also provide opportunities for members of the diaspora to contribute to India’s growth and development while maintaining their connections with the country.
The official theme of the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is ‘Return to Roots: Reigniting the Diaspora Connect with Bharat’. It highlights the importance of reconnecting overseas Indians with their cultural and ancestral heritage while encouraging younger generations to understand India’s traditions, history and contemporary developments.
The theme particularly focuses on the next generation of overseas Indians, offering them opportunities to rediscover their roots, strengthen their understanding of Bharat and develop meaningful relationships with contemporary India.
The three-day convention will begin on January 7 with Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will focus on engaging young members of the Indian diaspora. The main convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 8, while President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the valedictory session on January 9.
During the concluding session, the President will confer the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. These awards recognise exceptional contributions made by members of the Indian diaspora in their respective professional and social fields, as well as their role in strengthening India’s relations and engagement with the international community.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas observance takes place annually on January 9 to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. The convention provides an opportunity to recognise the contributions of overseas Indians and strengthen their relationship with the country. The convention itself is held once every two years.
Alongside the launch of the convention website, the Ministry of External Affairs also introduced the special Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) Quiz. The initiative aims to expand engagement with the Indian diaspora and foreign participants through interactive digital activities focused on India’s heritage, culture, art and contemporary achievements.
The revamped Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz uses modern gaming technology to make participation more accessible and engaging. It is available through the BharatVerse App and the official website, www.bkjquiz.com. The platform has been developed as an always-available digital public diplomacy initiative featuring interactive activities such as quizzes, puzzles, crosswords, word searches and guessing games.
According to the MEA, the special PBD Quiz will run from November 11 to December 20, 2026. Participants will compete in three categories: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), People of Indian Origin (PIOs) and foreign nationals.
Winners from all three categories will receive an opportunity to participate in a 10-day immersive tour of India. They will also be invited to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations in Kolkata in January 2027.
The initiative is intended to encourage participants to explore India’s diverse cultural heritage, historical traditions and achievements while developing a stronger connection with the country. It also seeks to engage younger generations of overseas Indians and international participants through digital platforms and interactive learning experiences.
The newly launched convention website will serve as a comprehensive information and facilitation platform for prospective delegates and participants. It will provide important details about the convention, including its programme schedule, online registration procedures, accommodation facilities, logistical arrangements and other essential information.
The website is expected to make the participation process more convenient by bringing relevant information and updates together on a single digital platform. Prospective participants will be able to access details regarding the convention and make the necessary arrangements for attending the event in Kolkata.
The official website is available at pbdindia.gov.in. The Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz can be accessed at www.bkjquiz.com.
Kolkata’s selection as the host city also highlights the city’s historical connections with the Indian diaspora. The convention is expected to bring together overseas Indians from different parts of the world, providing an opportunity to celebrate their contributions, exchange ideas and strengthen cultural and professional relationships.
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Through the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, the Government of India aims to deepen engagement with the global Indian community and encourage its continued participation in India’s development journey. The event will also provide a platform for discussions on future partnerships, cultural exchanges and opportunities for cooperation between India and its overseas communities.
With the launch of the official website and the special Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, preparations for the 2027 convention have formally moved forward, setting the stage for a major gathering of the Indian diaspora in Kolkata from January 7 to 9.
