Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was first celebrated in 2003, and its date—January 9th—holds historical significance. On this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, marking the beginning of his transformative journey in India’s struggle for independence.
The establishment of PBD aimed to create a platform where the government and diaspora could engage in meaningful dialogue, discuss key issues, and celebrate the achievements of Indians abroad. Since its inception, the event has grown in scope and impact, becoming an annual highlight for both the government and the global Indian community.
The primary goals of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas include:
Strengthening Ties: Promoting collaborations between India and its diaspora in areas such as trade, education, culture, and technology.
Acknowledging Contributions: Celebrating the successes of NRIs and PIOs who have made significant contributions to India or their adopted countries.
Encouraging Investments: Highlighting opportunities for diaspora members to invest in India's economic growth and participate in developmental initiatives.
The long-term vision is to build a unified global Indian community that actively contributes to India's progress while maintaining strong cultural roots.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is marked by a variety of engaging activities and events. Each celebration revolves around a unique theme that addresses contemporary issues or opportunities related to the Indian diaspora.
Over the years, PBD has focused on themes like “Engaging Diaspora: Connecting Across Generations” and “Redefining Engagement with the Indian Diaspora.” These themes reflect the evolving dynamics between India and its expatriates, ensuring the event remains relevant to current global and domestic contexts.
The celebrations typically include:
Inaugural Sessions: Keynote speeches by government officials and diaspora leaders.
Panel Discussions: Expert-led discussions on topics like trade, education, and technology.
Cultural Programmes: Performances showcasing India’s rich heritage.
Awards Ceremony: Presentation of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to distinguished NRIs and PIOs.
India's global diaspora plays a crucial role in its development and global standing. Their contributions span economic, social, and cultural dimensions, reinforcing India’s position on the world stage.
NRIs contribute significantly to India’s economy through remittances, which exceed billions of dollars annually. These funds support families, fuel small businesses, and even finance large-scale infrastructure projects. Moreover, diaspora investments in sectors like real estate, technology, and education stimulate economic growth.
NRIs serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting Indian traditions, languages, and arts in their adopted countries. From organising cultural festivals to introducing Indian cuisine, they help enhance India’s soft power globally.
Purpose and Significance
Strengthen India-Diaspora Link: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) serves as a platform to connect Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) with India.
Cultural and Emotional Bond: NRIs maintain strong ties to Indian culture, language, traditions, and family, acting as ambassadors of Indian values abroad.
Dialogue and Networking:
Facilitate interactions between NRIs, Indian government leaders, and policymakers.
Discuss challenges faced by the diaspora and explore solutions for improved policies.
Celebrating Achievements:
Honor distinguished NRIs for their contributions to business, academics, art, science, and philanthropy.
Inspire others by showcasing the success stories of Indian expatriates.
Promoting Investment and Policies:
Introduce schemes like Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana and OCI cards to ease the connection with India.
Discuss new initiatives and offer incentives for investment in India's development.
Supportive Policies and Schemes:
Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana for workers.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards for easier access to India.
Special funds to encourage foreign investments in India.
Addressing Challenges:
PBD conventions often discuss issues like taxability, property disputes, and social security for NRIs.
Government officers and policymakers provide solutions to common problems faced by the diaspora.
Global Influence of the Indian Diaspora:
NRIs contribute significantly to India's image and growth on international platforms.
The event emphasizes unity, cooperation, and aspiration.
Encouraging Innovation and Growth:
PBD highlights the importance of continuing dialogue and collaboration between India and its diaspora.
The collective efforts of Indians abroad play a crucial role in India’s national and global development.
Celebration of Shared Heritage: PBD reminds all Indians, home or abroad, of their shared history and cultural bond.
Aspirations for a Better Future: By coming together, the diaspora continues to support India’s progress and influence worldwide.
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