18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Celebrating India’s Global Family: 18^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The upcoming 18th PBD Convention, scheduled for January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, promises to be a landmark event. The theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), emphasizes the pivotal role of overseas Indians in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Key Highlights:

• Day 1:
  • Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: A platform for young overseas Indians to connect with their roots, featuring joint inaugurations by dignitaries, including the External Affairs Minister and Chief Minister of Odisha.
• Day 2:
  • Prime Minister’s Address: Inauguration of the convention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Pravasi Bharatiya Express: Launch of a special tourist train under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, offering diaspora members a cultural and spiritual journey across India.
  • Exhibitions: Four thematic exhibitions will spotlight the legacy of the Ramayana, diaspora contributions to technology, migration narratives from Gujarat to Oman, and Odisha’s cultural heritage.
• Day 3:
  • Valedictory Session: Concluding remarks by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the presentation of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA).

Plenary Sessions: The event will also feature discussions on key topics such as youth leadership, migrant skills, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.

About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

India, a nation renowned for its cultural diversity and rich history, takes immense pride in its vibrant global diaspora. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), celebrated biennially on January 9th, is a tribute to the indelible contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland. Instituted in 2003 under the visionary leadership of the then Prime Minister Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs serves as a bridge between India and its global family.

This significant date marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915, a moment that set the course for the country’s freedom struggle. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas honors this legacy, while also celebrating the achievements and influence of Indians residing across the world.

A Glimpse into the Indian Diaspora

The Indian diaspora, one of the largest in the world, is a testament to resilience, innovation, and cultural richness. With over 32 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) spread across more than 200 countries, this community is an influential force in global arenas—ranging from technology and business to arts and culture.

• Key Regions:
  • United States: Home to over 4.5 million Indians, contributing significantly to sectors like IT, healthcare, and academia.
  • Gulf Countries: Approximately 8.5 million Indians reside here, playing vital roles in construction, trade, and finance.
  • United Kingdom: With 1.8 million Indians, the community has made its mark in politics, business, and entertainment.
  • Australia and Canada: Both countries host thriving Indian communities excelling in diverse fields.

This global presence not only highlights the adaptability and talent of Indians but also underscores their commitment to fostering strong cultural and economic ties with India.

History and Evolution of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Launched in 2003, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has grown into a prestigious event that brings together the overseas Indian community to celebrate their shared heritage and contributions. Initially held annually, the format was revised in 2015 to a biennial event to allow for deeper engagement and focused discussions in the intervening years through theme-based conferences.

Each convention is hosted in a different Indian city, showcasing the diversity and progress of various regions. The themes have evolved over time, reflecting India’s aspirations and priorities. For instance, the 17th PBD Convention in 2023 focused on “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal,” resonating with the nation’s developmental goals.

Significance of the Indian Diaspora

The Indian diaspora’s contributions span multiple domains, including:

Significance of the Indian Diaspora

The Indian diaspora’s contributions span multiple domains, including:

1.      Economic Impact: Annual remittances from the diaspora amount to over $100 billion, significantly boosting India’s economy. For example, in 2022, Indians in the United States contributed a substantial portion of these remittances, supporting infrastructure and welfare projects back home.

2.      Cultural Ambassadors: From Bollywood’s global appeal to yoga’s universal acceptance, the diaspora plays a crucial role in promoting India’s soft power. For instance, the International Day of Yoga, celebrated globally on June 21, owes much of its success to diaspora advocacy.

3.      Innovation and Leadership: Indian-origin leaders helm global giants like Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), and Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), symbolizing India’s intellectual prowess on the world stage.

4.      Philanthropy and Advocacy: Diaspora communities actively support developmental projects in India. For example, initiatives like the American India Foundation and the UK India Business Council channel resources and expertise to uplift education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship in India.

5.      Strategic Influence: The Indian diaspora serves as a bridge in fostering bilateral relationships. In countries like Canada and Australia, diaspora members hold significant positions in government and industry, strengthening ties with India.

Challenges Faced by the Indian Diaspora

Despite their achievements, the Indian diaspora faces several challenges:

1.      Discrimination and Xenophobia:

o    Example: Instances of hate crimes against Indians in countries like the United States and Australia highlight the need for greater protection and community awareness.

2.      Labor Exploitation:

o    Example: Many Indians in Gulf countries face harsh working conditions, lack of legal protections, and inadequate compensation.

3.      Identity and Integration Issues:

o    Example: Second-generation Indians in Western countries often struggle to balance cultural heritage with societal expectations, leading to identity conflicts.

4.      Policy Barriers:

o    Example: Restrictions on dual citizenship prevent many overseas Indians from fully participating in India’s development while retaining their foreign citizenship.

5.      Limited Political Representation:

o    Example: While Indians have made significant strides globally, their representation in political arenas remains limited in certain regions, hindering their ability to influence policies affecting their communities.

6.      Visa and Immigration Challenges:

o    Example: Stricter immigration laws in countries like the United States have created hurdles for skilled Indian workers and students.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards

The PBSA is the highest honor conferred upon NRIs, PIOs, and diaspora organizations for their outstanding contributions in fields like education, innovation, trade, and public service. These awards, presented by the President of India during the PBD valedictory session, celebrate excellence and foster a sense of pride among the global Indian community.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. PBSA is conferred by the Hon’ble President of India as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organization/institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad.

2. The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is scheduled to be held from 8–10 January 2025 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards will be conferred by the Hon’ble President of India at the PBD Convention in the Valedictory Session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations.

3. A Jury-cum-Awards Committee, with Hon’ble Vice-President as the Chairman and Hon’ble External Affairs Minister as the Vice-Chair and other distinguished members from various walks of life, considered the nominations for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, 2025 and unanimously selected the awardees. The awardees represent the excellence achieved by our diaspora in various fields.

4. Following is the list of Awardees recommended by Jury-cum-Awards Committee for conferment of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025:

Conclusion

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is more than a ceremonial event; it is a celebration of shared heritage, aspirations, and achievements. As India strides towards a Viksit Bharat, the diaspora remains a vital partner in this journey. By fostering connections and harnessing their collective potential, PBD underscores the essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. With each convention, India’s bond with its global community grows stronger, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.