Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023

26-08-2023

12:01 PM

1 min read

Prelims: Polity & Governance

What’s in today’s article?

Why in news?
What is Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD)?
When was PBD convention started in India?
What is Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)?
News Summary: 17^th PBD
What are the key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi during the inauguration of 17^th PBD?

Why in news?

The 17th edition of the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ (PBD) convention has started in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore city.
Theme of this year’s PBD is ‘Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal’.

What is Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD)?

The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is observed on January 9 to strengthen the engagement of the Indian community overseas with the India government and reconnect them with their roots.
- January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate PBD as it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, had returned to India from South Africa.
It also marks the contribution of the Indians living abroad in the development of the land of their ancestors.
These conventions are very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.
PBD conventions were being held every year since 2003.
- Since 2015, its format has been revised. PBD is now celebrated once in every two years.

When was PBD convention started in India?

A High-Level Committee on Indian Diaspora, headed by LM Singhvi, had recommended in January 2002 that the government must renew and strengthen linkages of overseas Indians to their place of origin, and with each other.
The decision to celebrate PBD was taken by the former Indian Prime Minister, late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003.
The 1st PBD was celebrated on 9th January, 2003 in New Delhi.

What is Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)

During the Convention, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is conferred on the selected overseas Indians.
This award is given for the significant contributions by overseas Indians to various fields both in India and abroad.
PBSA is conferred by the President of India.

News Summary: 17^th PBD

PM Modi inaugurated the 17^th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city.
Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali was the chief guest at the event and Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi was the special guest of honour.
At this event, PM Modi released a commemorative postal stamp, ‘Surakshit Jaayen, Prashikshit Jaayen’.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the first-ever digital PBD Exhibition on the theme "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav - Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle”.
- This exhibition highlights the contribution of our diaspora freedom fighters in India’s Independence.

What are the key Highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi during the inauguration of 17^th PBD?

Termed pravasi bharatiyas as the country’s brand ambassadors
- Terming Indians living overseas as the country’s brand ambassadors, PM Modi said they would play a pivotal role in satisfying the growing curiosity about India across the world.
- He called the NRIs ambassadors of India’s heritage, Make in India campaign, yoga, ayurveda, the cottage industry and handicrafts.
India will chair the G20 summit in 2023
- He reminded the gathering that India will host the G20 summit in 2023 as the chair of the multilateral forum.
- He underlined that it was a big opportunity to make the world aware of the country’s past experiences to attain a sustainable future.
Highlighted the responsibilities of the Indians living overseas
- India’s strength will grow further in the days to come. And so will the curiosity about India.
- And that is why the responsibility of the Indians living overseas also grows manifold.
- The more oversees Indians know about India, the more they will be able to tell others.
- In this context, he urged NRIs to visit India during festivals or watch events related to Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Listed India’s achievements that drew world’s attention
- He listed country’s few achievements that have drawn the world’s attention. These were:
  - country’s Covid-19 vaccination programme,
  - attaining the status of the fifth largest economy,
  - manufacture of Tejas fighter jets,
  - INS Vikrant, Arihant-class submarine, and
    - growing popularity of digital transactions.

Q1) What is PBD convention?

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Government of India that provides an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians and enable the diaspora to interact with each other.

Q2) Why is January 9th called Pravasi Diwas or NRI Day?

January 9 was selected as it was the date when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915. Over the years, he has often been described as the first non-resident Indian of the most famous NRI by various Indian politicians.

Source: Pravasi Bharatiyas are India’s brand ambassadors, says PM Modi | PIB | The Hindu | Times Of India | Financial Express