19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Theme, Key Facts, History, Special Initiative and Significance

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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed every year on 9 January to recognise the contribution of the Indian diaspora towards India's development and to strengthen connections between India and Indians living abroad.

Key Facts

Three-Day Programme of PBD 2027

• The convention will be organised over three days in Kolkata.
• Day 1-7 January 2027: Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
  • Dedicated to diaspora youth.
  • Interaction among young overseas Indians and Indian policymakers.
  • Focus on youth leadership and reconnecting younger generations with India.
• Day 2-8 January 2027: Main Convention Inauguration
  • Inauguration by the Prime Minister of India.
  • Participation of overseas Indian delegates.
  • Discussions on India's development and diaspora engagement.
• Day 3-9 January 2027: Valedictory Session
  • Presided over by the President of India.
  • Conferment of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.
  • Valedictory address and concluding programme.

What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a flagship initiative of the Government of India that celebrates the contribution of overseas Indians to India's development.
• The day provides a platform for the Indian diaspora to:
  • Reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
  • Share their knowledge, skills and professional expertise.
  • Explore investment and business opportunities in India.
  • Participate in India's social and economic development.
  • Strengthen India's international relationships through people-to-people connections.

Who are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)?

• NRI: An Indian citizen who resides outside India for employment, business or other purposes, subject to applicable legal definitions.
• PIO: A person of foreign nationality who has Indian origin or ancestry, subject to the applicable legal framework.
• OCI Cardholder: A foreign citizen registered under the Overseas Citizenship of India scheme. It provides specified immigration and other benefits but is not dual citizenship.

History of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

• The history of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa.
• 9 January 1915: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa.
• Gandhi subsequently became a leading figure in India's freedom struggle.
• 2003: The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was organised in New Delhi under the government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• 2015: The Government of India revised the format, making the main convention a biennial event.
• Theme-based diaspora conferences are organised during intervening years.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)

• The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred by the Government of India on overseas Indians and organisations established by them.
• It recognises outstanding contributions made by members of the Indian diaspora in different fields.
• Major areas of recognition:
  • Promoting India's image internationally.
  • Supporting India's causes and concerns abroad.
  • Philanthropy and charitable activities.
  • Contribution to science, technology and innovation.
  • Business, education and public service.
  • Strengthening India's relations with other countries.

Special Initiative: Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz 2026

Importance of the Indian Diaspora for India

• Economic Development: Remittances, investments, entrepreneurship and business networks.
• Diplomacy: Strengthening bilateral relations and India's international influence.
• Technology: Sharing expertise in IT, research, artificial intelligence and innovation.
• Education: Academic collaborations, research and knowledge exchange.
• Culture: Promotion of Indian languages, yoga, festivals, food and traditions.
• Philanthropy: Contributions to healthcare, education and social welfare.
• Global Representation: Increasing India's visibility and influence internationally.

Girmitiya Community and Its Historical Significance

• Girmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who migrated to different parts of the world, particularly during British colonial rule, to work on plantations and other labour-intensive activities.
• The term Girmit is derived from the word "Agreement", referring to the labour contracts signed by these workers.
• Major destinations of Girmitiya migration are Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and South Africa.

Government Initiatives for Engagement with the Indian Diaspora

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Strengthening engagement with overseas Indians.
• Know India Programme (KIP): Familiarising young diaspora members with India's heritage and development.
• Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC): Supporting higher education in India for eligible diaspora children.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award: Recognising outstanding contributions of overseas Indians.
• Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana: Skill development and overseas employment preparedness.
• Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme: Providing eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin specified immigration and other benefits.
• MADAD Portal: Addressing consular grievances of Indians abroad
• e-Migrate System: Facilitating and regulating specified overseas employment processes

Challenges Faced by the Indian Diaspora

• Racial Discrimination: Discrimination and xenophobia in certain countries.
• Employment Issues: Wage exploitation and unsafe working conditions among vulnerable migrant workers.
• Legal Challenges: Differences in immigration and labour laws across countries.
• Human Trafficking: Vulnerability of some migrant workers to fraudulent recruitment and exploitation.
• Geopolitical Conflicts: Safety concerns during wars, political instability and regional crises.
• Cultural Identity: Maintaining Indian cultural identity among younger generations.

Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas for India's Foreign Policy

• Soft Power: Promoting India's culture, traditions, democratic values and civilisational heritage.
• Economic Diplomacy: Encouraging overseas investment, trade and entrepreneurship.
• Strategic Partnerships: Building stronger people-to-people relationships with countries having a significant Indian diaspora.
• Knowledge Diplomacy: Utilising the expertise of overseas professionals, scientists and academics.
• Global Influence: Strengthening India's voice and visibility in international forums.

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