Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his wishes to the Indian diaspora on the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas and said their dedication towards preserving our rich heritage and strengthening global ties is commendable
What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is also known as Non-Resident Indian Day
- It is an annual event celebrated on January 9th to mark the contribution and achievements of the overseas Indian community to the development of India.
- The day also commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s independence movement, from South Africa to India in 1915
- 1st PBD Convention was organised on 9 January 2003 to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India.
- Since 2015, under a revised format, PBD Convention has been organised once every 2 years.
- The 17th PBD Convention was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The theme of the 17th PBD is “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal”.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
- An award called The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is given out as part of the programme.
- It is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin; or an organisation or institution established and run by them.
- The award is to commemorate the contribution of the Indian diaspora to create a better understanding of India abroad
- A jury-cum-awards committee, with (the) Vice President as the chairman and External Affairs Minister as the vice-chair and other distinguished members from various walks of life considered the nominations and unanimously selected the awardees
- The awards are given to deserving people of the Indian dispora
The Evolution of Indian Migration and the Indian Expat Community
- The 19th and early 20th centuries saw thousands of Indians shipped to those countries to work on plantations in British colonies, which were reeling under a labour crisis due to the abolition of slavery in 1833-34.
- As part of the second wave of migration, nearly 20 lakh Indians went to Singapore and Malaysia to work in farms.
- The third and fourth wave saw professionals heading to western countries and workers going to the Gulf and west Asian countries in the wake of the oil boom
- There are 4.7 crore Indians living overseas. The number includes NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, and students.
- Excluding students, the number stands at 3.22 crore, including 1.87 crore PIOs and 1.35 crore NRIs.
- According to the World Migration Report, prepared by the International Organisation for Migration under the UN, India has the largest emigrant population in the world.
- It is the top origin country globally, followed by Mexico, Russian and China.
The Impact of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas plays an essential role in recognizing the significant influence of the Indian diaspora in shaping global perceptions of India. By providing a platform for dialogue, this event fosters collaboration between India and its overseas community in various sectors like technology, education, healthcare, business, and culture. The diaspora’s contribution is not limited to economic investments; it extends to cultural exchanges, knowledge transfer, and philanthropic efforts that have had a lasting impact on India’s development.
Over the years, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has also become an avenue for strengthening diplomatic and bilateral relations between India and other countries, especially those with large Indian-origin populations. The event provides opportunities for addressing issues related to the welfare of NRIs and PIOs, offering them a platform to voice their concerns and suggestions for better governance and policy-making.
Conclusion
As India continues to rise as a global power, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will remain an important event in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora. The theme for future Pravasi Bharatiya Divas events is expected to continue focusing on enhancing India’s global standing and the pivotal role that the diaspora plays in realizing this vision.
With India’s economy on a growth trajectory and the rise of innovative sectors like technology, space research, and green energy, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will provide an even stronger platform for global Indians to contribute to their homeland’s future development. This event serves as a reminder of how India’s global citizens will remain integral partners in shaping the nation’s progress in the years to come.
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