The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas are an occasion to re-establish connections and envision fresh opportunities, as well as a network to promote change, form new connections, and generate fresh concepts. Remark.
The Indian diaspora a vibrant and influential global community of over 32 million plays a decisive role in leveraging India's economic interests and shaping its foreign policy. Through business, innovation, culture and expertise, they foster international partnerships, attract investments and promotRead more
The Indian diaspora a vibrant and influential global community of over 32 million plays a decisive role in leveraging India’s economic interests and shaping its foreign policy. Through business, innovation, culture and expertise, they foster international partnerships, attract investments and promote India’s global stature and strategic relationships.
Major challenges faced by the Indian diaspora –
- Cultural identity challenges through language loss, cultural dilution and generational disconnect from heritage and traditions overseas.
- Consular issues challenge through visa delays, documentation hurdles and inadequate support during emergencies and crises abroad.
- Dual citizenship challenges with limited rights, restrictive laws and unclear policies hindering full integration and participation.
- Security concerns challenges through threats of terrorism, xenophobia, racism and geopolitical instability in host countries overseas.
- Employment challenges through visa restrictions, job insecurity, limited social security benefits and unfair labor practices abroad.
Steps taken by India to enhance engagement of Indian Diaspora –
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is India’s annual event honoring diaspora’s contributions, fostering connectivity and strengthening ties with Non Resident Indians.
- The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is India’s dedicated division for connecting with and supporting its global diaspora community .
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme grants lifelong visa, travel and work benefits, bridging Indians abroad with homeland ties.
- Know India Program (KIP) is a 3 week initiative for diaspora youth to connect with Indian culture, heritage and roots.
- Swarna pravas Yojana enhances employability of Indian workers abroad through skill development, training and certification, ensuring better overseas opportunities.
- Social Security Agreements are bilateral treaties that enable Indian diaspora to access benefits, totalize insurance periods and avoid dual contributions in host countries, fostering economic ties and cooperation .
Answer: The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is a celebratory day observed on 9th January (which commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai) to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community towards the development of India. Its 2023 theme 'Diaspora: Reliable partners for InRead more
Answer: The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is a celebratory day observed on 9th January (which commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai) to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community towards the development of India. Its 2023 theme ‘Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal’ reflects how the Indian diaspora is acting as a soft power/ ‘rashtradoot’ for India. It is held that the event can create new possibilities and ideas and can act as a network to drive change and discover new ties in the following ways:
However, several challenges need to be addressed to encourage this partnership, such as:
- Less attractive to youth diaspora: Young diaspora who are born in the US and grew up there find the Indian lifestyle challenging and are less likely to return to India to start businesses.
- Limited capital resources: The profile of the Indian diaspora varies from the blue-collar workers in the Gulf to professionals in Silicon Valley. Even in the US, the diaspora does not contribute substantially in terms of capital resources to India’s development.
- Perceived bias in approach: Conventions such as the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan’ appear to be leaving out low/semi-skilled and blue-collar workers who may not find a place or feel. comfortable to participate in the said celebration as the general profile of the participants is seen to be that of achievers in distinct fields.
- Skill demand and supply match: There are changing demand patterns related to the kind of skills and professional qualifications that different countries will need over the next decade. India has to enable the dispora to learn these skills. In this regard, the government of India has taken several initiatives like the Know India Programme, GIAN (Global Initiative for Academic Network), VAJRA Faculty Scheme, Mission Shodh GANGA (Global Alliance for New Generation Acceleration), etc. to harness the energy and ideas of our diaspora.
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