The 15th edition of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas begins at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh today. Around 6,000 NRIs are expected to take part in the three-day event which is being organised in Varanasi for the first time. The theme this year is, 'Role of Indian Diaspora in building New India'.

Several world leaders of Indian origin, including Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, will take part in the event and share their insights on the theme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the event tomorrow, with Mr Jugnauth being the Chief Guest. The valedictory address and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards will be given by President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday. According to the list of participants, 449 NRIs from the US, 395 from UAE, 202 from Malaysia, 153 from Qatar, 109 from Oman and 104 from the UK will take part in the three-day event. Besides, participants from about 80 other countries will also visit Varanasi. Several NRIs from Kuwait are also attending the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas.

Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas and Uttar Pradesh Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be held on the opening day today. Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore yesterday inaugurated several exhibitions including a digital exhibition on the theme of 'Ek Bharat Swacch Bharat: Sardar Patel and Gandhi ke Sapno ka Bharat.

The three-day convention this year themed "Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India" will also enable participants an opportunity to visit the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and also witness the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas scheduled to be held January 21-23 will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The closing session will see the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind.