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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. Observed on January 9th each year, this date holds historical significance as it marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 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 2024, Theme, Significance and Celebrations.
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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024 Theme
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a celebration recognizing the substantial contributions of overseas Indians to India’s development, features an annual convention. Recent themes, such as “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” have been explored during these gatherings.
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Overview
Term | Description |
Name | Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) |
Meaning | “Non-Resident Indian Day” |
Objective | Celebrating the contributions of overseas Indians to India’s development. |
Date | observed on January 9th each year. |
Inaugurated | First celebrated on January 9, 2003. |
Organized by | Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. |
Venue | Varied; hosted in different cities across India. |
Key Events | Inaugural ceremony, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, cultural programs, seminars on diaspora-related issues. |
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman | Awards are presented to recognize the achievements and contributions of overseas Indians. |
Significance | Strengthening ties between India and its diaspora, fostering collaboration, and promoting the exchange of ideas and resources. |
Themes | Each year may have a specific theme reflecting relevant global and diaspora issues. |
Outreach | Global, attracting participation from NRI/PIO communities worldwide. |
Activities | Cultural performances, panel discussions, networking events, and opportunities for the diaspora to engage with Indian government officials. |
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas History
- 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.
17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (2023)
- Scheduled for January 9, 2023.
- Aims to unite Non-Resident Indians, People of Indian Origin, and others interested in contributing to India’s growth.
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.
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 Samman Award
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) stands as the highest honour bestowed upon overseas Indians, as well as organizations and institutions established and managed by them. Instituted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, this prestigious award aims to recognize and applaud the exceptional contributions of the Indian diaspora to various fields, including community service, philanthropy, business, science, and arts.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024 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 Divas (PBD), or NRI Day, annually celebrates overseas Indians’ contributions to India’s development, observed on January 9th, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s return in 1915. Inaugurated in 2003, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, it transitioned to a biennial format in 2015. The 17th edition in 2023 aimed to unite and engage the diaspora, discussing global Indian community issues. Themed conferences and the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award highlight the celebrations, emphasizing global connections and recognizing outstanding contributions. Symbolizing commitment to Indian independence, PBD fosters pride, unity, and cultural exchange between the diaspora and India.