Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is a significant occasion celebrated annually in India to recognize and honour the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the nation’s development. This event brings together millions of Indians living abroad and provides a platform to engage with their motherland, fostering economic, cultural, and social connections.
DATE
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed on each year on 9th January, This date holds historical importance as it marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915. Gandhi’s return to his homeland set the stage for a transformative struggle for India’s independence, making this day symbolic of the contributions of overseas Indians to the country’s progress.
HISTORY
The celebration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was conceptualized in 2002 by the Government of India under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The inaugural event was held in 2003 in New Delhi, and it has since become a key annual event in India’s calendar.
The event aims to strengthen the bond between India and its global diaspora, which numbers over 32 million and is spread across more than 200 countries. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) have historically played a vital role in promoting India’s cultural heritage and contributing to its economic development. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas serves as a platform to acknowledge their achievements and build mutually beneficial ties.
Initially, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated annually. However, since 2015, it has been organized as a biennial event, with regional conferences being held in intervening years to engage with the diaspora in different parts of the world.
SIGNIFICANCE
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas holds immense importance as it highlights the integral role of the Indian diaspora in the nation’s progress. The diaspora contributes significantly in areas such as:
Economic Contributions: NRIs play a pivotal role in India’s economy through remittances, investments, and fostering trade relations between their host countries and India. In 2022, India was the largest recipient of remittances globally, amounting to over $100 billion.
Cultural Diplomacy: Overseas Indians act as cultural ambassadors, promoting Indian traditions, languages, and values worldwide. They help bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding between nations.
Innovation and Expertise: Many NRIs have excelled in fields like technology, medicine, finance, and education. Their expertise contributes to India’s growth through knowledge-sharing initiatives, collaborations, and investments in start-ups and innovation.
Philanthropy: The Indian diaspora often engages in philanthropic activities, contributing to education, healthcare, and disaster relief efforts in India.
By celebrating Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, India underscores its commitment to maintaining a strong connection with its global community. The event serves as a platform to address the concerns of the diaspora, facilitate networking, and explore avenues for collaborative development.
VENUES
| Year | Venue |
| 2003 | New Delhi |
| 2004 | New Delhi |
| 2005 | Mumbai |
| 2006 | Hyderabad |
| 2007 | New Delhi |
| 2008 | New Delhi |
| 2009 | Chennai |
| 2010 | New Delhi |
| 2011 | New Delhi |
| 2012 | Jaipur |
| 2013 | Kochi |
| 2014 | New Delhi |
| 2015 | Gandhinagar |
| 2017 | Bengaluru |
| 2019 | Varanasi |
| 2021 | VIRTUAL |
| 2023 | Indore |
| 2025 | Bhubaneswar |
CHIEF GUESTS
| Year | Name and designation |
| 2003 | Sir Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius |
| 2004 | Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana |
| 2005 | Jules Ajodhia, Vice President of Suriname |
| 2006 | Ahmed Kathrada, political activist |
| 2007 | S. Jayakumar, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore |
| 2008 | Navin Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius |
| 2009 | Ram Sardjoe, Vice President of Suriname |
| 2010 | Khalid Hameed, Chairman of Alpha Hospital Group |
| 2011 | Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor General of New Zealand |
| 2012 | Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago |
| 2013 | Rajkeswur ‘Kailash’ Purryag, President of Mauritius |
| 2014 | G. Palanivel, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Malaysia |
| 2015 | Donald Rabinderanauth Ramotar, President of Guyana |
| 2017 | Antonio Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal |
| 2019 | Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius |
| 2021 | Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname |
| 2023 | Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana |
INDIAN DIASPORA: A GLOBAL FORCE
The Indian diaspora is one of the largest and most influential in the world. With over 32 million people of Indian origin living abroad, the diaspora contributes significantly to their host countries while maintaining strong ties with India. They are represented in global politics, business, science, arts, and sports, making them a formidable force on the international stage.
Some notable figures from the Indian diaspora include Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google), Kamala Harris (Vice President of the United States), and Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft). Their success underscores the global impact of Indian talent and resilience.
Conclusion
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a testament to the enduring bond between India and its global diaspora. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of shared heritage, collective growth, and mutual cooperation. As India continues to rise on the global stage, the contributions of its diaspora will remain pivotal in shaping its future. This annual celebration underscores the importance of unity, pride, and collaboration in building a brighter and more inclusive India.
