Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: History, Need, Importance & More | UPSC Notes

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is a big occasion commemorating the Government of India’s connection with the Indian diaspora. This initiative was taken to strengthen the relationship between the Government of India and Indians who stay foreign. The significant aim of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention is to reintroduce the Non-Residential Indians to its Heritage and Culture.

In this article, we will cover the entire Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in general, its benefits, and some of the key highlights. Currency Devaluation is one of the important topics of the UPSC IAS exam.

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What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an annual celebration observed by the Republic of India on January 9 since 2003. It acknowledges the significant contributions of the Overseas Indian community to India's development. The day holds historical significance as it marks Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa to Mumbai on January 9, 1915.

Why is Pravasi Bhartiya Divas celebrated on the 9th of January?

Every year the 9th of January is celebrated as the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas because it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhiji, India’s greatest Pravasi, returned from South Africa. He led India’s Freedom Struggle and thus forever changed the lives of every Indian. Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was actually established in 2003, but in 2015, it was revised and decided that it is to be observed every two years. Meanwhile, a theme-based conference was set every year.

Historical Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Since 2003, the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas has annually hosted a convention in the national capital from January 7th to 9th. The event, organized in collaboration with a significant overseas diaspora, provides a platform for sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise. In 2015, the structure was updated to hold the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention biennially. Theme-based conferences are arranged, bringing together policymakers, stakeholders, and specialists from the overseas diaspora. These conferences enable the overseas Indian community to engage with the government for mutually beneficial activities. The events also serve as networking opportunities for Indians living overseas to exchange experiences in various industries.

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Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas holds significance as it not only reestablishes the connection of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with their homeland but also acknowledges and celebrates their accomplishments. The occasion recognizes the challenges faced by Indian expatriates as they reside and work abroad. It serves as a platform to create a global network among NRIs and foster connections between the younger generation and immigrants. This interaction is beneficial for immigrants, enabling their growth and substantial contributions to the nation. PBD Conventions actively contribute to the establishment and enhancement of a global network of NRIs.

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Schemes Related to Overseas Indians

Some of the Indian government schemes related to Indians residing abroad include:

• Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) - To institutionalize the process of skill development for emigrant Indian workers, the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) was created.
• Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children (SPDC) – It Invites the Children of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Non-Resident Indians (NRI) children to be eligible for 100 scholarships per year.
• The Know India Program (KIP) – Introduces youngsters belonging to Indian Origin between (18-30 years) from contemporary to modern India.
• System of Emigration – It’s a database of global employers. It assures immigrants’ safety and protects them from exploitation.
• The VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty) – It was created to formalize a rotation program in which top NRI scientists, engineers, doctors, managers, and other professionals lend their know-how to Indian government corporations for a limited time.

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About Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is the highest honor bestowed on Indians residing abroad. The President of India bestows this honor as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Conventions, which were held in 2003 as declared by India’s President.

Interesting Facts About the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 

Some of the key facts about the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas include the following:

• Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India was 100 years or a century ago in 2015. Due to this, the 2015 PBD commemoration was symbolic.
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held in New Delhi for the most part.
• Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas are being held in countries other than India.
• To provide an opportunity for people in the Indian Diaspora who are unable to visit India for the primary event to connect.
• PBD has had a crucial impact on India’s progress because Diaspora Indians will share what they have learned through experiences in other places.
• The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Chief Host is usually a foreigner.
• The Union Government celebrates Pravasi Bhartiya Divas with a unique theme.
• As of 2015, Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will no longer be an annual event.
• At the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention, awards are handed to meritorious individuals.
• PBD’s major aim is to bring the Indian Diaspora together on a single platform.
• PBD was created as a celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s return.
• The Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award 2021 winners were honored.
• The Bharat ko Janiye Quiz winners were declared during the PBD convention, and following COVID-19, they would be invited on tour across India (Bharat ko Janiye Darshan).
• Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz was started in 2015–16 to inspire young abroad Indians (18–35) to learn more about their nation of origin and to increase contact with them.

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Conclusion

We came to know that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, or NRI Day, is observed to bring the Indian Diaspora together to honor and celebrate the achievements of individuals of Indian descent in their respective fields and to convince them to return to their motherland with their knowledge and experience.

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