Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2025, Theme, Significance, Celebrations

PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 18th edition of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in Bhuvneshwar. It is celebrated once in every 2 years to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their cultural roots. 9 January commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. To mark this day, the tradition of celebrating Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) started in 2003.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), also known as NRI Day, is an annual celebration in India commemorating the invaluable contributions of the overseas Indian community to the nation’s development. The day serves to acknowledge and honour the accomplishments of overseas Indians while fostering stronger bonds between India and its global Diaspora. Read this complete article to get updated about Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2025, Theme, Significance and Celebrations.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Overview

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 Theme

The theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”. This theme highlights the significant role that the Indian diaspora plays in India’s development and progress.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA)

• Purpose: Recognizes individuals and organizations for contributions in Social work, Humanitarian efforts & Enhancing India’s global reputation.
• 27 individuals and organisations will be honoured this year.

Indian Diaspora Statistics

• Total Population: Over 35.4 million, comprising:
  • Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs): 5 million
  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): 8 million
• Major Countries:
  • USA: Over 2 million PIOs
  • UAE: Over 3.5 million NRIs

Background of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, or NRI Day, began in 2003.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas commemorates Mahatma Gandhi‘s return to India and acknowledges the global contributions of the Indian diaspora.

Annual to Biennial Transition (2015)

• Initially an annual event, transitioned to a biennial format in 2015.
• This change aimed to intensify preparations and address substantive issues impacting overseas Indians.

Biennial Celebrations

• Celebrated in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
• Each edition focuses on a theme, encouraging discussions and providing a platform for the exchange of ideas among the diaspora.

Purpose and Significance

• Serves as a vital forum for diaspora connection.
• Facilitates discussions on global Indian community issues.
• Offers a platform for the government to acknowledge and appreciate overseas contributions, fostering unity and collaboration worldwide.

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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Celebrations

• Theme-Based Conferences: PBD features theme-based conferences attended by overseas diaspora experts, stakeholders, and policymakers.
• Engagement Platform: These conferences serve as a platform for the overseas Indian community to actively engage with the government, facilitating the planning and execution of mutually beneficial activities.
• Global Connections: The celebrations provide opportunities for people to connect with the overseas Indian community worldwide, fostering global networking and collaboration.
• Recognition: Exceptional individuals receive the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, recognizing and honouring their outstanding contributions. For instance, the Indian Community Association in Egypt (ICAE) received the award at the 15th PBD Convention held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, in 2019, for commendable community service.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Significance

• Significance: NRI Day, or Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa, symbolizing commitment to Indian independence.
• Honouring Contributions: The day acknowledges and honours the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s progress and development.
• Global Impact: It recognizes the global impact of the Indian community and fosters pride and unity among overseas Indians.
• Cultural Exchange: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas promotes cultural exchange, celebrating achievements and strengthening ties between the diaspora and India.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas UPSC

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) serves as an important occasion to recognize and honour the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the nation’s growth and development. It strengthens the bonds between India and its overseas citizens, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and expertise. With the ever-growing role of the Indian diaspora in global economies, technology, and diplomacy, PBD continues to enhance India’s soft power and promote collaborative international efforts.

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