Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, an annual event celebrated on January 9th, holds great significance in recognizing and honoring the Indian diaspora spread across the globe. This day marks the contribution and achievements of overseas Indians in various fields, fostering a strong connection between the homeland and its diasporic communities.
History & Significance
The concept of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was first introduced in 2003 by the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India on January 9, 1915.
The day serves as a platform to acknowledge the valuable role played by overseas Indians in the development and progress of their adopted countries.
Events
The Ministry of External Affairs has held 17 conventions till date to commemorate the prominent members of the Indian diaspora. Since 2015, the event is celebrated every two years.
Events typically feature series of discussions, cultural programs, and interactive sessions. The focus is on strengthening the ties between India and its global citizens, exploring avenues for collaboration, and addressing challenges faced by the diaspora.
The Embassy of India in Oslo, Norway also commemorated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Lier on January 6 where they celebrated the stories of the first-generation NRIs in Drammen and Lier. Over 150 people attended the event that had interactive panel discussions and bhangra performances as well.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are also conferred on this day to recognize NRIs who have made significant contributions in fields such as business, science, technology, and community service.
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