Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) 2022: It is observed on 9 January to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community in the development of India. On this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa. He played an important role in the freedom struggle of India and also changed the lives of Indians forever.
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention provides an ideal platform for the government to interact with the diaspora community who reside in several parts of the world.
Since 2003, PBD conventions are being held every year. Its format has been revised since 2015 to celebrate the PBD once every two years and to hold theme-based PBD Conferences during the intervening period with participation from overseas diaspora experts, policymakers, and stakeholders. PBD is celebrated to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community to the development of India.
Let us tell you that PBD Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees 2020-2021 names were announced. The Awards were conferred to select Indian diaspora members to recognise their achievements and honour their contributions to various fields, both in India and abroad.On 9th January, 2021, the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was organised despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
About PBD Convention 2021
In a virtual format, the convention was held and the theme of the 16th PBD Convention 2021 was "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat". The Convention of PBD had three segments and was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. It was also addressed by the Chief Guest, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname. Winners of the online Bharat ko Janiye Quiz for the youth was also announced.
The inaugural session was followed by the two Plenary sessions. The first was on the Role of Diaspora Aatmanirbhar Bharat and was featured by the External Affairs Minister and Commerce and Industry Minister. And the second was on Facing Post Covid Challenges - Scenario in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations that was addressed by Minister of Health and Minister of State for External Affairs.
The Valedictory Session was the finale where the President delivered his Valedictory address to mark the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Here to inform you that the Youth PBD was also observed virtually on the theme "Bringing together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora” on 8 January 2021 and was anchored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Special Guest for the event was Priyanka Radhakrishnan, Minister for Community & Voluntary Sector of New Zealand.
In January 2019, it was celebrated at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to acknowledge the Indian Diaspora of Indian origin to share their experience, knowledge which can help in the development of the country.
Why is 9 January decided to celebrate NRI Day?
On 9 January,1915, Mahatma Gandhi came to India from South Africa and became the greatest Pravasi who led India's Freedom Struggle and made India free from British or colonial rule. He not only changed the lives of Indian's but also created an example that if a person's dreams and desires are clear, he or she can achieve anything. As a Non-Resident Indian or Pravasi, he is presented as a symbol of a change and development that could bring into India.
According to the Indian Government NRI has global exposure in terms of business and development strategies around the world. If some opportunity is provided to them they will contribute to the developmental process by infusing their ideas and experiences on their motherland i.e. India.
Do you know that the first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or Non-Resident Indian Day was celebrated on 9 January 2003? Its format has been revised since 2015 to celebrate the PBD once every two years and to hold theme-based PBD Conferences. Since then it is celebrated every second year. In 2019, Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held on 21-23 January in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.