What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is widely known annually on 9 January to mark the contribution of the non-residential Indian(NRIs) community in the direction of the development of the USA. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 9th January was chosen for the observance, as on this day after 12 months in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. He then went directly to lead the US in its freedom struggle.
History –
The choice to rejoice in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has changed accordingly with the recommendations of the excessive degree Committee (HLC) on the Indian Diaspora set up via authorities of India under the chairmanship of L. M. Singhvi. The then top Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, acquired the document of the Committee at a public characteristic on eight January 2002 and announced the “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” (PBD) on 9 January 2002.
Venues-
Since 2003, the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Program has been held in different cities as mentioned below:
| Day | Year | Venue | State |
| 1st | 2003 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 2nd | 2004 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 3rd | 2005 | Mumbai | Maharashtra |
| 4th | 2006 | Hyderabad | Telangana |
| 5th | 2007 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 6th | 2008 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 7th | 2009 | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| 8th | 2010 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 9th | 2011 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 10th | 2012 | Jaipur | Rajasthan |
| 11th | 2013 | Kochi | Kerala |
| 12th | 2014 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 13th | 2015 | Gandhinagar | Gujarat |
| 14th | 2017 | Bengaluru | Karnataka |
| 15th | 2019 | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh |
| 16th | 2021 | VIRTUAL | Delhi |
| 17th | 2023 | Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas –
The Ministry of External Affairs organizes Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) outside India regularly to connect with the Indian Diaspora in specific regions. This is done to familiarise them with the Government’s policies, and programs, enable them to contribute to India’s development and growth, and address their concerns.
Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas —
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is significant because it not only reconnects NRIs with their roots but also recognizes and celebrates their accomplishments. This day also recognizes the challenges that Indian expatriates face while working abroad.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honor bestowed by a Non-Resident Indian, a Person of Indian Origin. It is awarded to the NRIs who have made significant contributions for a better understanding of India abroad, tangible support for India’s causes and concerns, community work abroad, welfare of local Indian Communities, philanthropic and charitable work, etc. In the presence of Hon’ble Rashtrapati Ji, select eminent Indian diaspora members are awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards during the PBD convention.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021 theme:
The 16th PBD Convention 2021 will be held under the theme “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” On this day, the government focuses on reuniting overseas Indians with their roots and building a global network of NRIs to connect the younger generation with immigrants.
Get more information on the 2021 PBD theme through these articles:
PBD Conventions aid in the creation of a network of NRIs in all countries around the world, as well as in connecting the younger generation with immigrants, allowing them to evolve and contribute significantly to the country’s development.
For more information on the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, visit the official Government website and these articles as well:
