Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a significant national event celebrated once every two years on January 9 to honour the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s development and global standing.
• It serves as a platform to engage with overseas Indians and recognise their role in shaping India’s progress across sectors.
• January 9 was chosen to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915. Widely regarded as the greatest Pravasi, Gandhi went on to lead India’s freedom struggle and transform the lives of Indians. The day symbolises the deep and enduring connection between India and its people living abroad.
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was first established in 2003 under the government of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It was conceived as a formal platform to recognise, connect with and engage the overseas Indian community.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It is hosted in different cities across the country to showcase India’s regional diversity and development.
• Since 2015, the MEA has revised the format of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, organising it as a biennial convention, with theme-based conferences held in the intervening years.

Objectives and Impact:

• The primary objective of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is to commemorate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s development while creating a better understanding of India abroad.
• It also seeks to support India’s causes and encourage efforts for the welfare of local Indian communities worldwide.
• Over the years, the convention has facilitated the exchange of knowledge, skills and experiences across sectors, strengthening India’s ties with its diaspora.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award:

• The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, a Person of Indian Origin, or an organisation or institution established and run by them.
• The award recognises contributions by members of the Indian diaspora towards enhancing India’s image abroad, supporting India’s causes and working for the welfare of local Indian communities.
• The awards are presented by the President of India.