Every year on January 9th, Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) commemorates the contribution of the Overseas Indian community to India's development. NRIs have global exposure in terms of business and development strategies.
History
In 2003, the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was celebrated for the first time. On January 9, 2006, the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention in Hyderabad introduced the concept of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). It allowed people of Indian ancestry and their overseas spouses to come to India and live and work indefinitely.
Mahatma Gandhi arrived in India from South Africa on January 9, 1915 and became the greatest Pravasi who led India's Freedom Struggle and freed the country from British or colonial rule. He not only changed the lives of Indians, but he also set an example that anyone can achieve anything if their dreams and desires are clear. As a Non-Resident Indian, or Pravasi, he is portrayed as a symbol of the potential for change and development in India.
2021 Pravasi Bhartiya Divas
"Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat" was the theme of 2021’s Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in mind, we will commemorate the day virtually in 2021. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and the Confederation of Indian Industry hosted online events and programmes.
On January 8, 2021, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports hosted a virtual Youth PBD with the theme "Bringing Together Young Achievers from India and the Indian Diaspora." Priyanca Radhakrishnan, New Zealand's Minister for Community and Voluntary Sector, was the Special Guest at the event. The PBD Convention was inaugurated by India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The Chief Guest, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname.
2019 Pravasi Bhartiya Divas
"Role of Indian Diaspora inf Building a New India" was the theme of the 2019 PBD Convention. Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius, was the Convention's Chief Guest. On the 21st of January 2019, Mr. Himanshu Gulati, Member of Parliament of Norway, was the Special Guest, and Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Member of Parliament of New Zealand, was the Guest of Honour at the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas.
The Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award
The Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award (PBSA) is the highest honour bestowed on Indians living in other countries. The President of India bestows this honour as part of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) Conventions, which were held in 2003. 30 NRIs and Indian-origin people and organisations were honoured with the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award, including Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Curacao Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath, and New Zealand minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan in 2021.
FACTS of PBD
1. This day is held even outside of India i.e., regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. To provide an opportunity for those in the Indian Diaspora who are unable to travel to India for the main event to connect. It was held in eight different cities.
2. Mahatma Gandhi's return to India was commemorated in 2015 for the first time in a century. As a result, the 2015 PBD commemoration was symbolic.
3. Without a doubt, PBD has had a significant impact on India's development. Diaspora Indians will share their knowledge and experiences gained from their travels to other countries.
4. The PBD's Chief Host is usually a foreigner.
5. The Union Government commemorates PBD with a specific theme.
6. Awards are given out at the PBD convention to the deserving individuals.
7. PBD's main goal is to bring the Indian Diaspora together.
8. PBD is a day set aside to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's return.