Introduction

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), or NRI Day, is celebrated annually on January 9 to recognize the contributions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in India’s development. This day commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915, a pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle. Over the years, PBD has evolved into a platform for engaging the Indian diaspora in nation-building and fostering cultural, economic, and strategic ties.

History of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

  • Inception: The first PBD was celebrated on January 9, 2003, under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership.
  • Biennial Event: Since 2015, it has been celebrated biennially to ensure better planning and broader participation.
  • Historical Context: The date marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India, symbolizing the transformative role of Indians abroad.
  • Key Objectives: Strengthening ties with the diaspora and recognizing their socio-economic and cultural contributions.
  • Themes Over Time: Focused on diaspora engagement, cultural heritage, skill development, and global partnerships.

Theme for 2025: Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat

The 2025 theme underscores the critical role of NRIs and PIOs in shaping India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. Key highlights include:

  • Leveraging the diaspora’s expertise in technology, education, and innovation.
  • Encouraging investments and entrepreneurship for economic growth.
  • Promoting India’s global soft power through cultural diplomacy.
  • Fostering sustainable development through collaborations in green energy and climate action.
  • Strengthening India’s position in the global value chain through knowledge-sharing networks.‍

Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

1. Strengthening Cultural Bonds

  • Reinforces the shared cultural heritage between India and its diaspora.
  • Promotes Indian languages, traditions, and festivals globally.

2. Economic Contributions

  • Highlights the role of remittances, which account for nearly $100 billion annually (2022 data).
  • Encourages investments in India’s startups, real estate, and infrastructure sectors.

3. Enhancing Global Advocacy

  • Positions India as a key global player by leveraging the diaspora’s influence in international forums.
  • Promotes India's foreign policy goals through diaspora networks.

4. Promoting Technological and Social Development

  • Engages the diaspora in research, innovation, and education initiatives.
  • Collaborates on global challenges like climate change and public health.

5. Policy Formulation and Nation-Building

  • Facilitates diaspora participation in policymaking.
  • Encourages NRIs to contribute to flagship schemes like Digital India, Skill India, and Startup India.

Conclusion

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas serves as a vital link between India and its global diaspora, recognizing their role as ambassadors of India’s culture and contributors to its socio-economic growth. The 18th PBD Convention, with its focus on “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” highlights the significance of NRIs and PIOs in realizing India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Strengthening these bonds will not only drive economic progress but also enhance India’s cultural and strategic presence on the global stage.

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