Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Day) is a set of programs and initiatives organized by the Ministry of External Affairs to mark the Indian diaspora in New Delhi. The PBD is held every year from January, which coincides with the third Wednesday of this month. With a focus on Overseas Indians (OICs), PBD aims to provide a platform for their participation in India’s development processes. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBID) was first organized in 2003 as part of the celebrations marking the new millennium and the beginning of a new century. It was initiated by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Since then it has grown into one of the largest gatherings of global citizens from India and its diaspora community. In fact, it has emerged as one of the biggest events organized by any country to connect with its ex-pat population.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
On the 9th of January every year, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated. It marks the day when Mahatma Gandhi set off from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to travel to South Africa in 1895 to participate in the Indian diaspora. The word ‘Pravasi‘ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Prathivasi‘, which means ‘Homecoming’. It denotes the day when Mahatma Gandhi, along with a group of Indian emigrants, returned home to India from South Africa on 9 January 1915 after spending 21 years in the African country. PBD marks the homecoming of the Indian diaspora.
Objectives of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
The main goals of PBD are to highlight the contribution of Overseas Indians (OICs) towards India’s development, to showcase India as a dynamic and attractive destination for investment, tourism, and business, and to recognize the services of the Indian diaspora in strengthening India’s ties with other countries. These objectives are achieved through the following activities:
- Establishment of a brand and marketing campaign for the Indian diaspora.
- Promotion of the PBD as a ‘global brand’.
- Developing a strategic communication plan for the PBD.
- Creation of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) toolkit for the PBD.
- Launching a special website for the PBD to provide information to the Indian diaspora, as well as to the general public.
- Organizing seminars and round-tables to deliberate on the future role of the Indian diaspora in India’s development.
What happens at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
The PDB is celebrated in a three-day-long event in New Delhi. Besides an open-air cultural festival showcasing the culture of the Indian diaspora, the event also includes seminars, workshops, and cultural programs. The Indian diaspora is invited to participate in all these programs to highlight their role in India’s development. The PBD includes a wide range of activities organized by different ministries of the Government of India. These include seminars, lectures, cultural performances, and exhibitions. The event also includes a special ‘Global Indian Business Meet’, where global investors are invited to explore investment opportunities in India. The theme for PBD 2022 is ‘Global Indian – Re-imagined’. The organizing committee has planned a wide range of activities for the event, encompassing the themes of ‘re-imagined’ and ‘connected’, as well as ‘new’.
Those deserving ones whose contributions are meaningful are provided with ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award’ at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) convention. Even events such as ‘Bharat ko Janiye Quiz’ is organised to encourage the young overseas Indians so that they can know more about their country of origin.
The Importance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
- The PBD is a unique opportunity to showcase the Indian diaspora, its achievements, and its contributions to India’s development.
- The diaspora is invited to participate in a wide range of seminars, workshops, and discussions and share their ideas to deliberate on the future role of the Indian diaspora in India’s growth and development.
- Indian ministries also invite organizations and institutions linked to the Indian diaspora to participate in the event.
- The PBD also includes a special ‘Global Indian Business Meet’, where global investors are invited to explore investment opportunities in India.
- The organizers also create a ‘brand’ for the Indian diaspora and promote it through the PBD. The event is traditionally inaugurated by the President of India.
Agenda of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2022:
The Indian diaspora has been a crucial factor in shaping the economic and social landscapes of many countries. It has been instrumental in India’s development too, especially in the areas of trade, investment, and technology transfer. The PBD-2022 showcased the contributions of the Indian diaspora, as well as explored new avenues and partnerships that can promote India’s economic growth. It also explored the role of the Indian diaspora in the ‘fourth industrial revolution’, as well as a ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ future. However, the Indian diaspora has also been a victim of the social, economic, and political changes in the host countries. The PBD-2022 explored how the Indian diaspora can contribute toward the ‘sustainable development’ agenda, as well as the ‘United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs).
Key Highlights of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2022:
- The theme of PBD 2022 was ‘Global Indian – Re-imagined’.
- The event was inaugurated by the President of India.
- A special event, ‘Global Indian Business Meet’, was held as part of PBD 2022. The Indian diaspora celebrated ‘Indian Culture Day’ on 10th January 2022.
- A ‘Brand and Branding Seminar’ was organized as part of PBD 2022.
- An exhibition on ‘the future of the Indian diaspora’ was held as part of PBD 2022.
- A ‘Global Indian Cultural Festival’ was organized as part of PBD 2022.