The Ministry of External Affairs, India, has initiated the nomination process for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025, which will be presented during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) taking place in early 2025. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) represents the highest distinction awarded to overseas Indians. This honor is granted by the President of India as part of the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) conventions, held since 2003, recognizing a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin, or an organization founded and run by them, for their significant contributions in one of the following areas:
For Achievements Abroad:
- Promoting a better understanding of India internationally;
- Providing tangible support for India’s causes and concerns;
- Strengthening connections between India, the overseas Indian community, and their host country;
- Supporting social and humanitarian initiatives in India or abroad;
- Advocating for the welfare of the local Indian community;
- Engaging in philanthropic and charitable endeavors;
- Achieving prominence in one’s field or undertaking notable work that enhances India’s reputation in the host country; or
- Demonstrating excellence in skills that enhance India’s prestige (for non-professional workers).
For Achievements within India:
- Making philanthropic investments and engaging in charitable efforts in India;
- Contributing to India’s overall development.
A self-nomination process is also available for members or organizations of the Diaspora. Individuals or organizations wishing to self-nominate can submit their completed nomination form via email to [email protected].
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is held biennially, with the last event occurring in 2023 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. Celebrated on January 9 each year since 2003, PBD honors the contributions of the Overseas Indian community to India’s development. This date was selected to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915, marking the beginning of his pivotal role in the country’s freedom struggle and transformation of Indian lives. Since 2015, the format has evolved to celebrate PBD every two years, while theme-based PBD Conferences are organized in the interim, featuring participation from overseas diaspora experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. These conventions serve as a platform for the overseas Indian community to engage with the Indian government and foster mutually beneficial activities. They also facilitate networking among the global Indian diaspora, allowing them to share experiences across various fields.
You can view the list of previous awardees here.
