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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025, History, Significance, Facts

09-01-2025

08:30 AM

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas observed on 9th January every year marks the occasion of honoring the Indian Government’s connection with the Indian Diaspora. The initiative strengthens the relationship of the Indian Government with the Indians who are living abroad. The goal of this day is to try and revive the Indian culture and values for the non-resident Indian living in other countries. In this article, we are going to look into the history and significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Overview

Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas is observed in India every year on 9th January starting in 2003. The day acknowledges the contributions of the Indian Diaspora contributing towards the development of India. The day is also remembered for historical reasons as it marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai on January 9, 1915. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated annually on January 9th to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi, India's greatest Pravasi, from South Africa in 1915—a moment that marked a turning point in India’s Freedom Struggle. The observance was established in 2003, and in 2015, it was restructured to be celebrated biennially, with thematic conferences held in the intervening years. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas History 

Every year since 2003, 7th to 9th January are celebrated in India as Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas by hosting a convention in New Delhi, the national capital of India. The events include the exchange of knowledge, skills and ideas in collaboration with the Indian Diaspora. Since 2015, changes have been made and the convention is now held biennially. Policymakers, stakeholders, and several specialists are brought together under theme based conferences. These conferences are arranged with the aim of providing mutual benefit to the Government of India as well as the Indian Diaspora community. The events present a networking opportunity to the Indians living abroad to exchange their ideas, exposure and experiences with the Indians living here across various industries. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Significance

Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas is important for several reasons: 

  • The day acknowledges the achievements and accomplishments of our Indian Diaspora community as well as helps them reestablish a connection with their homeland. 
  • The day highlights the challenges faced by Indians living abroad and acknowledges them. 
  • The day provides a global platform to network with the NRIs and improve connections between the younger generation and the immigrants. 
  • The interaction is beneficial as it induces growth opportunities for the immigrants and their contributions towards the nation. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Related Schemes

The Indian government has introduced several schemes to support Indians residing abroad, including:

  • Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Aims to institutionalize skill development for Indian emigrant workers to enhance their employability.
  • Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children (SPDC): Offers 100 annual scholarships to children of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Non-Resident Indians (NRI) for higher education in India.
  • Know India Program (KIP): Engages youth of Indian origin (aged 18-30) to explore contemporary and modern India.
  • System of Emigration: Maintains a database of global employers to ensure the safety and protection of Indian emigrants from exploitation.
  • VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty): Facilitates a rotational program for distinguished NRI professionals, including scientists, engineers, and doctors, to contribute their expertise to Indian institutions for a limited period.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is an honor awarded to Indians living abroad. Known to be the highest honor, the award is presented by the President of India during the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas conventions, which are been held since 2003 as announced by the President of India. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Important Facts

Here are key facts about Pravasi Bharatiya Divas :

  • Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India in 1915 was commemorated in 2015, marking a century since his arrival, making that year’s PBD celebration highly symbolic.
  • The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is primarily held in New Delhi.
  • Regional PBD events are organized in countries outside India to connect with the diaspora unable to attend the main event.
  • PBD plays a crucial role in India’s progress by enabling the diaspora to share knowledge and experiences gained globally.
  • The Chief Guest for PBD is typically a foreign dignitary.
  • The Union Government celebrates PBD with a unique theme each year.
  • Since 2015, PBD is no longer an annual event; it is now held biennially.
  • Awards are presented at the PBD Convention to honor individuals for their contributions.
  • The primary goal of PBD is to unite the Indian diaspora on a single platform.
  • PBD was conceptualized to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India.
  • The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award recognizes outstanding achievements among the diaspora.
  • Winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz are announced during PBD conventions and invited for a Bharat Darshan tour post-COVID-19.
  • The Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, launched in 2015-16, aims to engage young Indians abroad (aged 18-35) to deepen their connection with their roots.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas FAQs

Q1. What is the theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024?
Ans. The theme for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024 is "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit Kaal."

Q2. What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas UPSC?
Ans. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an important event highlighting the Indian diaspora's role in India's development, relevant for UPSC topics on international relations and diaspora engagement.

Q3. Why do we celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
Ans. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated to honor the contributions of the Indian diaspora and mark Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915.

Q4. Where is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024?
Ans. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024 will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Q5. What is the theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025?
Ans. The theme for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 is "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat."