Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is observed on 9 January once in every two years to increase the engagement of the overseas Indian communities with the Government of India and also focus on reconnecting them with their roots.
This is the day when the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915. As we all know, he went on to become the greatest ‘Pravasi’ who led India’s freedom struggle.
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.
The decision to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was taken in accordance with recommendations of the High Level Committee (HLC). The committee was set up the government of India under the chairmanship of L. M. Singhvi. The then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, announced the “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” on January 9, 2002.
Celebration
Most of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions are held at New Delhi. Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is organised outside India to give chance to link up those Indian Diaspora who cannot travel to India for the main event. It has been organised in 8 different cities.
The 2015 year marked 100 years or a century of the return of Mahatma Gandhi. So, the 2015 celebration of PBD was a symbolic one. No doubt this day plays a huge role in the development of India. Because Diaspora Indians will share their knowledge and experiences that they have gained from other countries.
Usually, the Chief Host of the PBD is a Foreigner. With a specific theme, PBD is celebrated by the Union Government. At the convention of PBD, awards are given to the deserving Indians. Its main aim is to connect the Indian Diaspora.
Therefore, we can say that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day is celebrated to link up the Indian Diaspora to commemorate the achievements of the individuals of Indian origin in their respective fields and also persuade them to bring their knowledge and expertise to their motherland.
CURRENT SCENERIO
Currently, 31 million Indians live abroad. Of these, 13 million are PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) and 17 million are NRIs (NRIs). The concept of Pravasi Bharatiya Citizen was launched in 2006 at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference in Hyderabad.
AIM
The purpose of celebrating this day is to provide a platform to NRIs to express their understanding of India and thus participate in Indian development activities. It aims to create a network of NRIs and connect youth in all countries. The purpose of this day is to connect Indians living abroad with their roots so that they can contribute to the development of the country.
Theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021
The theme for 16 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021 is – “Contributing to Atamnirbhar Bharat”. on 12 May 2020, Aatmanirbhar Bharat or Self Reliant India was announced which was a Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make the country independent of the tough competition in the global supply chain and to empower people, particularly the poor, who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to become self-reliant in all senses. Economy, infrastructure, technology-driven processes, vibrant demography and demand are the five pillars of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
About Event
The 16th PBD Convention will be held virtually in New Delhi on 9 January 2021. Two virtual plenary sessions will follow the inaugural session, where discussions will be held between leading diaspora experts on the topics I Diaspora’s role in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and (ii) Facing Post Covid Challenges in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations Scenario.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention is held every year. It is a flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs. The PBD Convention is also sponsored by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Confederation of Indian Industries and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention Opportunity to Deliberate on Challenges Faced by India: MoS MEA.
