Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024: Celebrating the Indian Diaspora

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community towards the development of India. PBD is commemorated to honor the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai on 9th January 1915.

The day is celebrated to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots. It is a flagship event organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to highlight the achievements and contributions of NRIs and PIOs.

History and Purpose of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was established in 2003 under the leadership of then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The key objectives were:

To provide a platform to discuss key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora.
To enable the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors.
To generate awareness about the life and legacy of overseas Indians.
To draw investment from the Indian diaspora into the country.

Over the years, PBD has evolved into a prestigious global platform for engaging and connecting with overseas Indians. The event brings together prominent NRIs, PIOs, and Indian diaspora scholars, political and business leaders on a common platform. It showcases the achievements and contributions of the global Indian community to India’s growth.

The day also commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai on 9th January 1915, which ignited the Indian freedom struggle. Hence, PBD honors the role and sacrifices made by freedom fighters and leaders of the Indian independence movement.

Venue for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024

The 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is scheduled to be held from 8-10 January 2024 in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Varanasi holds great cultural and spiritual significance and will be an apt venue for bringing together overseas Indians to celebrate their relationship with India. It will also showcase Varanasi’s rich heritage and motivate them to contribute towards India’s growth story.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha. The city is his parliamentary constituency since 2014. Hosting PBD 2024 in Varanasi underlines the PM’s vision of integrating advancement with India’s cultural ethos.

Previous PBD conventions have been held in Delhi, Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.

Why is Varanasi the venue for PBD 2024?

Here are some of the key reasons why Varanasi was chosen to host Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024:

Varanasi is among the oldest living cities in the world and is the cultural and spiritual capital of India. It will provide an ideal backdrop to connect NRIs with India’s roots.
The holy city attracts pilgrims from various parts of India and the world. Hosting PBD in Varanasi will enable wider participation of diaspora members.
Varanasi is the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Modi. Hosting PBD 2024 here aligns with his vision for the city’s development.
Varanasi has a new airport and connected infrastructure to host large conventions. The facilities provide ease of access for international delegates.
The city offers rich cultural experiences with its iconic ghats, temples, silk sarees, cuisine, music, and more. PBD participants can soak in its heritage.
Previous PBD hosts like Delhi, Mumbai have hosted it before. Varanasi provides a fresh perspective for NRIs to explorebusiness and cultural links.
The UP government aims to showcase Varanasi as a global city while retainingits spiritual essence. Hosting PBD furthers that vision.
PBD 2024 in Varanasi underscores the PM’s pitch for integrating advancement with India’s strengths like yoga, Ayurveda, and cultural ethos.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Theme 2024

The theme for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024 is “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal.”

Amrit Kaal refers to the 25-year period culminating in the centenary of India’s independence in 2047. The PBD theme highlights the crucial role overseas Indians can play in bolstering India’s growth and realization of its goals during this period.

During Amrit Kaal, India aims to ascend new peaks of progress across different sectors like the economy, infrastructure, health, sciences, technology, culture, sustainable development, and more. The Indian diaspora has distinguished itself across these domains globally. Hence, their knowledge, resources, and expertise can significantly catalyze India’s development.

The theme underscores that the diaspora is a trusted partner that can provide a fillip to Amrit Kaal’s vision of making India a developed nation. Overseas Indians can assist India’s rise in the global order as an economic powerhouse leading advances in critical fields like technology, innovation, education, skills, manufacturing, and more.

The Government aims to strategically harness the diaspora’s potential in capital, capacity building, and creating world-class institutions for nation-building. PBD 2024’s theme highlights the pivotal role the diaspora can play in bolstering India’s growth march in the Amrit Kaal. Their contributions across spheres like academics, business, philanthropy, policy advocacy, governance can power India’s progress.

Subthemes of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024

Some of the subthemes of PBD 2024 based on the main theme are:

Role of diaspora youth in building India’s future
Leveraging diaspora expertise for India’s healthcare system
Partnering with the diaspora for innovation and research
Indian diaspora for India’s energy security
Opportunities for the diaspora in building India’s infrastructure
Collaboration with diaspora for India’s foreign policy and national interests
Contributions of diaspora in preserving Indian art, culture & heritage globally

Probable Chief Guest for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024

The Chief Guest for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is selected based on the partner country for that edition of the convention.

For PBD 2024, the partner country is expected to be the United Kingdom. India and the UK have a long-shared history and currently pursue a comprehensive strategic partnership. The UK also hosts a vibrant Indian origin diaspora population of over 1.6 million.

Hence, the probable Chief Guest for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024 is the British Prime Minister, Mr. Rishi Sunak. He is the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of the UK and a proud member of the Indian diaspora community. His presence as Chief Guest will add huge significance to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024. It will underscore the eminent position attained by members of the overseas Indian community on the global stage.

If Mr Sunak is unable to attend, other potential Chief Guests could be senior British-Indian Cabinet Ministers like Suella Braverman, Home Secretary, or Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. Either choice would celebrate UK-India ties and the Indian diaspora’s identity.

The previous Chief Guests for PBD conventions have been several Heads of State including the Presidents of Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and Mauritius, as well as Prime Ministers of Australia and Portugal.

Quotes and Wishes for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024

Here are 20 quotes and wishes to share on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024:

“Let us unite to celebrate the spirit of one global Indian community on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.”
“PBD reminds us that however far we go, India remains in our hearts.”
“We may live abroad, but India lives within us. Happy Pravasi Bharatiya Divas!”
“Let us reconnect with our motherland on this day honouring the global Indian family.”
“Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrates the achievements and contributions of NRIs worldwide.”
“As the Indian diaspora, we must preserve our heritage wherever we are.”
“On PBD, salute the dedication of overseas Indians towards India’s development.”
“Happy Pravasi Bharatiya Divas! India is proud of its diaspora.”
“Warm wishes on PBD. Let’s carry forward India’s light and might worldwide.”
“May Pravasi Bharatiya Divas strengthen the bonds between India and its diaspora.”
“This PBD, let us come together to build the India of our dreams.”
“Wishing a very happy Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to Indians worldwide!”
“Let us mark PBD by doing our bit to advance India-diaspora relations.”
“Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrates our common identity and roots as global Indians.”
“Saluting the spirit of Indianness that binds us all on PBD.”
“May the Indian diaspora glow ever brighter on the global canvas.”
“PBD is a reminder that wherever we go, India remains an inseparable part of us.”
“On this PBD, let us honour the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi that continues to inspire Indians worldwide.”
“Warm greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas! Let us celebrate our cultural heritage and integrity as global Indians.”
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to build a strong and progressive India. Happy Pravasi Bharatiya Divas!”

Celebrations for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated with great fervour both in India and abroad by the Indian diaspora. Here are some key highlights of PBD celebrations:

Flag Hoisting Ceremony

The PBD convention begins with the hoisting of the Indian flag by the Chief Guest and singing of the national anthem. This honours the Indian roots of the diaspora.

Inaugural Session

The inaugural session is addressed by the Chief Guest, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries. They highlight India’s relationship with the diaspora.

Plenary discussions

Various plenary sessions and panel discussions are held on topics concerning the Indian diaspora like dual citizenship, ease of travel, roles of young NRIs, etc.

Cultural Performances

PBD celebrations showcase vibrant Indian dance and musical performances like Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, etc.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions display handicrafts, food stalls, tourism promotions of different Indian states to highlight India’s rich cultural heritage.

Special Events

Special interactive sessions are held by Ministers and other officials on engagement initiatives with the Indian community abroad.

Diaspora Philanthropy

Philanthropic projects for India’s development by NRIs are showcased at the PBD convention.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards

These awards are conferred to select distinguished members of the Indian diaspora for their contributions in various fields.

Local Community Events

Indian consulates and diaspora groups overseas also organize various cultural programmes, seminars and other events to mark the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Here are some of the key reasons why Pravasi Bharatiya Divas holds special significance:

It unites the global Indian diaspora by celebrating their identity and roots.
It serves as a platform for engagement between the diaspora, government and people of India.
It facilitates contribution and participation of overseas Indians in India’s growth story.
It honours the achievements and success of NRIs thereby inspiring Indians worldwide.
It promotes the rich cultural heritage of India globally.
It provides insights into how India can collaborate with its vast diaspora for national development.
It enables the Indian government to get feedback from the diaspora and address their issues.
It highlights India’s growing stature in the world through the success of its diaspora.
It reinforces a sense of pride and commitment among overseas Indians towards their homeland.
It cements the strategic ties between India and partner nations with significant Indian diaspora populations.

Overall, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become an important platform for enhancing India’s diaspora diplomacy and leveraging their potential to power India’s growth story.

Conclusion

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas signifies the important relationship between India and its vast diaspora spread across the world. PBD has become a premier platform to harness the potential of overseas Indians for the country’s growth and development.

As India progresses towards its vision for the coming decades, the Indian diaspora is poised to be a crucial partner in this journey. Their role will be invaluable in powering India’s rise as a leading economy, and boosting its technological and scientific prowess. PBD 2024’s theme also highlights the diaspora’s contribution in realizing India’s ‘Amrit Kaal’ goals.

With India celebrating the 75th year of independence in 2022, it is an opportune time to reinforce the bonds between the motherland and its diaspora. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas provides the perfect avenue to strengthen this engagement, and unite the global Indian family in moving the country forward.

The Varanasi edition of PBD 2024 will provide a fitting celebratory backdrop by connecting the diaspora to India’s cultural essence. As India continues its march to emerging as a leading power on the world stage, the role of overseas Indians will remain integral.

FAQs about Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Here are 5 frequently asked questions about Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:

Q1. Who can attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention?

The PBD Convention brings together prominent NRIs, PIOs and members of the Indian diaspora community worldwide. It is open to participation for:

Overseas citizens of India (OCIs)
Non-resident Indians (NRIs)
Persons of Indian origin (PIOs)
Diaspora experts and academics
Members of Indian community associations abroad
Indian students studying globally
Other friends of India

Q2. What is the registration process for PBD?

Registrations for PBD convention open several weeks prior to the event on the PBD website. Participants have to register online by filling a form. Registration charges apply for the convention. On completion of the process, attendees obtain confirmation along with information regarding logistics, accommodation options, etc.

Q3. What are the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards?

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA) are the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. They are announced annually on the PBD for recognizing the exceptional achievements of NRIs or PIOs across various fields.

The awardees are selected by a jury constituted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. PBSA consists of a medal, citation, and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

Q4. What are some of the initiatives for engagement with the diaspora?

The Indian government has taken various initiatives focused on outreach and building engagement with overseas Indians:

Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Sampark
Global Indian Scientists Network
Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council
Overseas Indian Facilitation Center
Know India Programme
Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children
Tracing Roots initiative

Q5. How can the diaspora contribute to India’s growth?

The Indian diaspora can power India’s growth in diverse ways:

Investment in startups, businesses and infrastructure
Sharing expertise for policymaking
Fostering academic partnerships
Participating in philanthropic and social projects
Becoming soft power ambassadors for India
Supporting India’s foreign policy objectives
Sharing solutions for leveraging technology
Promoting tourism, arts and culture
Building international linkages and partnerships