Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a significant national event celebrated once every two years on January 9 to honour the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s development and global standing. It serves as a platform to engage with overseas Indians and recognise their role in shaping India’s progress across sectors.
Why January 9?
January 9 was chosen to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915. Widely regarded as the greatest Pravasi, Gandhi went on to lead India’s freedom struggle and transform the lives of Indians. The day symbolises the deep and enduring connection between India and its people living abroad.
How did Pravasi Bharatiya Divas begin?
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was first established in 2003 under the government of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It was conceived as a formal platform to recognise, connect with and engage the overseas Indian community.
Role of the Ministry of External Affairs
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It is hosted in different cities across the country to showcase India’s regional diversity and development.
Since 2015, the MEA has revised the format of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, organising it as a biennial convention, with theme-based conferences held in the intervening years. This format allows for focused discussions on specific areas of interest and provides opportunities for networking among the global Indian diaspora.
Objectives and Impact
The primary objective of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is to commemorate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s development while creating a better understanding of India abroad. It also seeks to support India’s causes and encourage efforts for the welfare of local Indian communities worldwide.
Over the years, the convention has facilitated the exchange of knowledge, skills and experiences across sectors, strengthening India’s ties with its diaspora.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, a Person of Indian Origin, or an organisation or institution established and run by them. The award recognises contributions by members of the Indian diaspora towards enhancing India’s image abroad, supporting India’s causes and working for the welfare of local Indian communities.
The awards are presented by the President of India.
The 2025 Edition
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with the theme “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). The three-day event featured a series of engagements aimed at strengthening India’s connection with its global diaspora.
The main convention was inaugurated on January 9 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the inauguration, four exhibitions were unveiled: “Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana”; “Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology and Viksit Bharat”; an exhibition on the Indian diaspora, highlighting migration from Mandvi (Gujarat) to Muscat (Oman); and one showcasing Odisha’s heritage and culture.
The convention concluded on January 10 with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the valedictory session and presenting the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. Plenary sessions focused on diaspora youth leadership, migrant skills, sustainable development, women’s leadership and Nari Shakti, and cultural connections.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas reflects India’s recognition of its global diaspora as a valuable national asset. It serves both as a celebration of shared heritage and as a strategic platform to channel the experience, expertise and commitment of overseas Indians towards India’s journey of national development.
