**Pravasi Bharatiya Divas**
**Definition**
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is an annual event celebrated by the Government of India to recognize and honor the contributions of the Indian diaspora worldwide. It serves as a platform to strengthen the engagement between India and its overseas citizens.
—
## Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), literally meaning Non-Resident Indian Day, is an official event observed by the Government of India to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Indian diaspora across the globe. Instituted in 2003, the day is commemorated on January 9th each year to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915, symbolizing the beginning of his leadership in India’s freedom struggle. The event aims to foster closer ties between India and its overseas community, promote their involvement in India’s development, and recognize their role in enhancing India’s global stature.
### Historical Background
The idea of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was conceived to acknowledge the significant role played by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in the socio-economic development of India. The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was held in 2003 in New Delhi. Since then, it has evolved into a major international event, attracting thousands of delegates from various countries, including government officials, business leaders, scholars, and members of the Indian diaspora.
The choice of January 9th as the date for PBD is symbolic. It marks the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915, an event that eventually led to the Indian independence movement. This connection underscores the historical and emotional bond between India and its diaspora.
### Objectives
The primary objectives of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas include:
– Recognizing the contributions of the Indian diaspora in various fields such as business, culture, education, and social service.
– Strengthening the engagement between India and its overseas citizens.
– Encouraging the diaspora to participate in India’s development and nation-building efforts.
– Providing a platform for dialogue between the Indian government and the diaspora on issues of mutual interest.
– Promoting investment, trade, and cultural exchange between India and countries with significant Indian populations.
### Organization and Structure
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India. The event typically spans several days and includes plenary sessions, panel discussions, cultural programs, and networking opportunities. It is hosted in different cities across India to showcase regional diversity and development.
The event features:
– **Inaugural Ceremony:** Usually attended by the Prime Minister of India and other senior government officials.
– **Plenary Sessions:** Discussions on topics such as diaspora engagement, investment opportunities, innovation, and global challenges.
– **Awards Ceremony:** Presentation of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to distinguished members of the Indian diaspora.
– **Cultural Programs:** Showcasing Indian art, music, dance, and cuisine.
– **Business Meets:** Facilitating partnerships and collaborations between Indian and overseas enterprises.
### Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
One of the key highlights of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the conferment of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. These awards are the highest honor given by the Government of India to Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin, or organizations established by them, who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
The awards recognize achievements in areas such as:
– Public service
– Philanthropy
– Business and entrepreneurship
– Science and technology
– Arts and culture
– Community service
Recipients of the award are selected through a rigorous process involving nominations and scrutiny by a committee appointed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
### Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas holds considerable significance for India and its diaspora for several reasons:
– **Diaspora Engagement:** It provides a formal mechanism for the Indian government to engage with its overseas citizens, understand their concerns, and involve them in national development.
– **Economic Impact:** The Indian diaspora contributes significantly to India’s economy through remittances, investments, and trade. PBD encourages further economic collaboration.
– **Cultural Exchange:** The event promotes Indian culture globally and strengthens the cultural identity of the diaspora.
– **Policy Formulation:** Insights gained during PBD help shape policies related to the diaspora, including visa regulations, investment facilitation, and social welfare.
– **Global Networking:** It offers a platform for networking among diaspora members, government officials, and business leaders, fostering partnerships and collaborations.
### Evolution and Themes
Since its inception, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has evolved in scope and scale. Each year, the event is organized around a specific theme reflecting contemporary issues and priorities. Themes have included:
– “Engaging the Diaspora: Meeting Global Challenges”
– “Redefining Engagement with the Indian Diaspora”
– “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in the 21st Century”
– “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India)
These themes guide the discussions and activities during the event, ensuring relevance to current global and national contexts.
### Participation and Impact
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas attracts a diverse group of participants, including:
– Indian government officials and policymakers
– Members of the Indian diaspora from over 50 countries
– Business leaders and entrepreneurs
– Academics and researchers
– Representatives of cultural and social organizations
The event has helped build a sense of community among the diaspora and has led to increased diaspora participation in India’s development initiatives. It has also enhanced India’s soft power by showcasing the achievements of its global citizens.
### Challenges and Criticism
While Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has been largely successful, it has faced certain challenges:
– **Representation:** Ensuring equitable representation of the diverse Indian diaspora, including underrepresented regions and communities.
– **Follow-up:** Translating the dialogue and commitments made during PBD into concrete actions and policies.
– **Accessibility:** Making the event accessible to a broader section of the diaspora, including those from less affluent backgrounds.
– **Sustained Engagement:** Maintaining continuous engagement with the diaspora beyond the annual event.
Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges through expanded outreach, digital engagement platforms, and policy reforms.
### Related Initiatives
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is part of a broader framework of diaspora engagement by the Indian government, which includes:
– **Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme:** Providing lifelong visa-free travel and other benefits to persons of Indian origin.
– **Know India Programme (KIP):** A cultural and educational program for young diaspora members to connect with India.
– **Global Indian Network:** Platforms to connect Indian professionals and entrepreneurs worldwide.
– **Diaspora Investment Summits:** Events focused on attracting diaspora investments into India.
These initiatives complement PBD by fostering continuous interaction and collaboration.
### Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is expected to expand its reach and impact by leveraging technology and digital platforms to engage a wider diaspora audience. The event is likely to focus on emerging global challenges such as climate change, digital innovation, and inclusive development, aligning diaspora contributions with India’s strategic priorities.
Efforts to enhance inclusivity, transparency, and follow-up mechanisms will further strengthen the role of PBD as a vital link between India and its global citizens.
—
**Meta Description:**
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an annual event celebrated by the Government of India to honor the Indian diaspora’s contributions and strengthen ties between India and its overseas citizens. It features awards, discussions, and cultural programs to promote engagement and collaboration.