• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is a biennial celebration that honors the contributions of Indians living abroad (the Indian diaspora) towards the development of India.
  • It is observed every 2 years on January 9, the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915, marking the beginning of a major phase in India's freedom struggle.
  • The event aims to celebrate the achievements of the diaspora and strengthen their connection with the homeland.

PREVIOUS PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIWAS

17th PBD (2023): Held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, with the theme "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal."
    • Notable Attendees: Leaders and dignitaries from countries such as Guyana, Suriname, and other nations with significant Indian diaspora communities attended the event.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIAN DIASPORA

  • ECONOMIC:
    • Remittances to India: India receives more than 120 bn USD annually as remittances & it is predicted to be around 120 bn USD in 2023.
    • Flow of business ideas, tacit information & technology into India.
    • Migration of less skilled labour from India creates a reduced pressure in India for employment generation.
  • POLITICAL:
    • Indians hold critical positions of power in many countries like USA, Mauritius, UK
    • The diaspora has an immense potential to influence the electoral results of their host countries.
    • The NRI & OCI is a potential lobby for India.
  • CULTURAL:
    • Presence of diaspora has led to spread of Indian culture & inter racial marital ties thus contributing in the soft power of India.

ABOUT PBD

  • The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is observed on January 9 to strengthen the engagement of the Indian community overseas with the India government and reconnect them with their roots.
    • January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate PBD as it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, had returned to India from South Africa.
  • It also marks the contribution of the Indians living abroad in the development of the land of their ancestors.
  • These conventions are very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.
  • PBD conventions were being held every year since 2003.
    • Since 2015, its format has been revised. PBD is now celebrated once in every two years. But this has not been fixed yet.

HISTORY OF PBD

  • A High-Level Committee on Indian Diaspora, headed by LM Singhvi, had recommended in January 2002 that the government must renew and strengthen linkages of overseas Indians to their place of origin, and with each other.
  • The decision to celebrate PBD was taken by the former Indian Prime Minister, late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003.
    • The 1st PBD was celebrated on 9th January, 2003 in New Delhi.
  • It is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other stakeholders.

KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE PRAVASI BHARTIYA DIWAS

  • Recognize Diaspora’s Contributions: The event acknowledges and celebrates the impact of the Indian diaspora in various sectors, including business, education, technology, culture, and social work.
  • Promote India Globally: It serves as a platform to enhance global awareness about India, its culture, economy, and the aspirations of its people.
  • Support India’s Interests: It encourages diaspora members to contribute to India’s development and to participate in initiatives that promote India’s interests
  • Provide a Platform for Connection: PBD facilitates interaction between the Indian diaspora and the Indian government, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and partnership.

KEY EVENTS OF PRAVASI BHARTIYA DIWAS, 2025

  • Day 1 – January 8, 2025: Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
    • Focus: Engaging with young Indians abroad, encouraging them to reconnect with their cultural roots and contribute to India's growth.
    • Inauguration: External Affairs Minister, Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, and the Chief Minister of Odisha.
    • Main Agenda: The event will focus on the role of youth in the Indian diaspora and empower them to take leadership roles, fostering ties with India.
  • Day 2 – January 9, 2025: Main Convention
    • Inaugural Session: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the main event, highlighting the theme of the convention and celebrating the global contributions of the Indian diaspora.
    • Key Highlights:
      • Pravasi Bharatiya Express: A special tourist train that will take diaspora members to key cultural and religious sites in India.
      • Exhibitions:
        • Vishwaroop Ram: An exhibition depicting the story of the Ramayana through art.
        • Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology: An exhibition showcasing the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the global technology
        • Mandvi to Muscat: A historical exhibition on the migration of Indians from Mandvi (Gujarat) to Muscat (Oman).
        • Heritage of Odisha: An exhibition celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Odisha.
    • Key Plenary Sessions:
      • Diaspora Youth Leadership: Empowering youth to take leadership roles and contribute to a connected world.
      • Migrant Skills: Recognizing the skills developed by migrants and their role in fostering cultural exchange.
      • Sustainable Development: Highlighting the diaspora's contributions to environmentally sustainable
      • Women’s Leadership: Celebrating the leadership roles of diaspora women in various fields.
      • Cultural Connections: Sharing stories of belonging and the preservation of cultural ties across generations.
  • Day 3 – January 10, 2025: Valedictory Session
    • Closing Address: President Droupadi Murmu will deliver the closing address, marking the conclusion of the 18th edition of PBD.
    • Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA): The awards will be presented by the President of India to honor outstanding individuals from the diaspora for their exceptional contributions in fields such as:
      • Education
      • Science & Innovation
      • Trade & Business
      • Arts & Culture
      • Social Work
      • Public Service
      • Philanthropy
PRAVASI BHARATIYA SAMMAN AWARDS The PBSA is a prestigious award presented by the President of India during the PBD convention. It honors Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields, promoting India’s development globally. Awardees are recognized for their outstanding achievements in:
  • Education
  • Science & Innovation
  • Trade & Business
  • Arts & Culture
  • Social Work
  • Public Service
  • Philanthropy

CONCLUSION

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a significant event that serves to strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora. It provides a platform for recognition, engagement, and collaboration, encouraging overseas Indians to contribute to India’s progress. The 18th edition in 2025, with the theme "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat," will further emphasize the role of the Indian diaspora in shaping India’s future and building a developed India.