Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
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• 09 Jan 2023

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), also known as Non-Resident Indian Day, is an annual event celebrated on January 9th to mark the contribution and achievements of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. The day also commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's independence movement, from South Africa to India in 1915, which marked the beginning of India's freedom struggle. PBD was first celebrated in 2003 and has since become an important platform for the Government of India to engage with the overseas Indian community and to showcase the achievements and progress of the country.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention

PBD is celebrated with a series of events and programs, including a Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, which is the main event of the celebration. The convention is a three-day event that brings together the overseas Indian community, government officials, and business leaders to discuss issues of mutual concern and to explore opportunities for collaboration.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry. It is held in a different city each year, with the aim of showcasing the diversity and progress of different regions of India.

The convention typically features a series of lectures and panel discussions on topics of interest to the Indian diaspora, such as investment opportunities in India, the role of the diaspora in India's development, and cultural exchange. There are also networking events and cultural performances, as well as opportunities for delegates to visit local attractions and learn about the host city and region.

In addition to the convention, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations also include a Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which is held in the run-up to the main event and aims to engage young people of Indian origin in discussions about their role in shaping the future of the diaspora.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention has grown in popularity since its inception in 2003, with increasing numbers of delegates attending from around the world. It has become an important platform for the Indian government to engage with the diaspora and to showcase the progress and potential of the country.

Apart from it, PBD also includes a Cultural Festival, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of India through music, dance, and other forms of traditional and contemporary art. The festival is a great opportunity for the overseas Indian community to reconnect with their roots and to learn more about India's culture and traditions.

Theme of PBD

The theme of PBD varies each year and is chosen to reflect the current priorities and concerns of the Indian diaspora. Some of the themes of PBD in the past have been: "Youth PBD" (2005), "Engaging Diaspora: The Next Decade" (2011), "Role of Diaspora in Building a New India" (2017), "Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Building a New India" (2018) and “Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat” (2021). The current 17th PBD theme is "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit Kaal".

One of the key themes of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the role of the overseas Indian community in the economic development of India. The Indian diaspora, comprising people of Indian origin living outside of India, is a significant contributor to the Indian economy through the remittances they send back to their families in India, as well as through investment in Indian businesses and real estate. The Indian government has actively encouraged the participation of the diaspora in the country's economic growth, and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the overseas Indian community.

Another important theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the role of the diaspora in strengthening cultural ties between India and the countries in which they live. The Indian diaspora is a diverse group, with people of Indian origin living in countries all around the world. Many of these communities have retained their Indian cultural traditions while also adapting to and contributing to the cultures of their host countries. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an opportunity to celebrate this cultural diversity and to strengthen the bonds between the overseas Indian community and their homeland.

In recent years, the theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has also focused on the role of the overseas Indian community in promoting social and economic development in the countries in which they live. The Indian diaspora has a strong track record of civic engagement and philanthropy, and many members of the community have played important roles in supporting education, healthcare, and other social welfare initiatives in their host countries. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate these efforts and to encourage the diaspora to continue to be active and engaged citizens in their host countries.

In addition to these themes, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas also provides an opportunity for the overseas Indian community to connect with each other and with the government of India. The event is typically marked by a series of conferences and seminars, as well as cultural events and networking opportunities. It is an opportunity for the overseas Indian community to come together, share their experiences, and discuss issues of concern to them. It is also an opportunity for the government of India to engage with the diaspora and to seek their input and guidance on issues affecting the country.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards

Another important aspect of PBD is the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are a prestigious honor bestowed upon non-resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin (PIOs) who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have also promoted India’s interests abroad. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are presented annually on January 9th, which is celebrated as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Indian Diaspora Day) in India. The awards were initiated in 2003 by the Government of India to recognize the achievements and contributions of NRIs and PIOs in various fields such as education, science and technology, arts and culture, social work, public service, trade and industry, and philanthropy.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are presented by the President of India in a grand ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) in New Delhi. The ceremony is attended by dignitaries from the government, diplomats, and leading NRIs and PIOs from around the world. The awardees are selected by a committee consisting of eminent persons, including NRIs and PIOs, who are nominated by the Government of India. The selection is based on the nominee’s contribution to their respective field, their role in promoting India’s interests abroad, and their contribution to the well-being of the Indian community in their country of residence.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are classified into three categories – Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Gold, and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Life Time Achievement. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is given to NRIs and PIOs who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, while the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Gold is given to those who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Life Time Achievement is given to NRIs and PIOs who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields over a long period of time.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards have been presented to a wide range of NRIs and PIOs from different countries and fields. Some of the recipients of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in 2023 are Prof. Sanjeev Mehta, Prof. Ramjee Prasad, Dr. Rajagopal, Dr. Archana Sharma, Mr. Ashok Kumar Tiwary and Mr. Sivakumar Nadesan.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards have been widely recognized and appreciated by the global Indian community. The awardees are felicitated by the President of India and are given a citation and a medal. The awardees are also invited to participate in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

Conclusion

PBD is an important event for the overseas Indian community, as it provides a platform for them to connect with their roots and to contribute to the development of India. It is also a great opportunity for the Government of India to engage with the overseas Indian community and to showcase the country's achievements and progress. PBD is a celebration of the strong bond between India and the Indian diaspora, and it is a testament to the important role that the overseas Indian community plays in the growth and development of India.

 Aditi Saini 

After pursuing Master's in Political Science from Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi University, she engrossed herself in Content Writing. Apart from being honest and a kind person, she is a good learner with the motto of "Live and let live".

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