CONTEXT:

Recently, On 9th January the Prime Minister extended warm regards on the occasion of Bharatiya Pravasi Divas. 

PBD 2024 Theme: Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal”.

WHAT IS BHARATIYA PRAVASI DIVAS?

• Bharatiya Pravasi Divas alias Non Resident- Indian (NRI) Day is commemorated on 9th of January in order to observe significant contributions and exceptional achievements of Overseas Indian Community to the buildout of India.
• It was first celebrated in 2003, but was revised in 2015 and pronounced to be celebrated every two years.
• It is considered as a flagship event of Ministry Of External Affairs.
• It is a remarkable event held in distinct cities showcasing diversity and advancement of different regions in the country.
• Considered as a podium to connect Indian diaspora with their roots and uplift their will add to India’s overall progress.
• Thus far, 17 conventions have been held. The last Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated in the Indore, Madhya Pradesh in year 2023.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

• 9th of January was opted as the date to commemorate BPD as it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
• Government of India, on this day also bestows Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for Welfare of the local Indian community; Philanthropic and charitable work; Eminence in one’s field or outstanding work, which has enhanced India’s prestige in the country of residence; or. Eminence in skills which has enhanced India’s prestige in that country (for non-professional workers).
• It is the highest honour conferred on a Non- Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin and any organization or institution run by NRI or PIO who made efforts for enhanced comprehension of India abroad and support India’s magnification in a significant way.

SIGNIFICANCE:

• Recognizes and glorifies the contributions of Indian diaspora expanded across the globe.
• The conventions of BPD are functional in networking among the Overseas Indian Residents, enabling strong association with their homeland and enabling them to share their experiences in various fields.
• Cultivates a strong sense of unity, pride, integrity and fraternity among the Indian diaspora for Indians to remain connected to their culture and roots in a true sense.

CONCLUSION:

PBD is an important event for Overseas Indian Community as it provides a massive platform to them to stay connected to their Indian roots. It is necessary for the Indian Government to aggrandize such events in order to escalate India’s growth and expansion and foster a true sense of unity and fraternity among Indians despite of their habitation as per the constitutional values.