18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention
The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhubaneswar on January 9. It is a significant government initiative to connect and engage with the Indian diaspora.
Key Highlights
- The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, will address the gathering virtually as the chief guest.
- President Droupadi Murmu will deliver the valedictory address on January 10 and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.
- The award recognizes contributions in fields such as social work, humanitarian efforts, and enhancing India’s global standing.
- This year, 27 individuals and organizations will be honored, from countries including the US, Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, and more.
Significance of January 9
- January 9 is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India in 1915.
Event Details
- The event is scheduled for January 8-10, with the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 8.
- Participants will include overseas Indians, top businessmen, entrepreneurs, and economists from over 50 countries.
- Theme: "Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat".
Objectives
- Offers a platform for dialogue between the Indian government and its overseas citizens.
- Discussions on policies affecting the diaspora, such as visa regulations, investment opportunities, and community welfare.
- Showcases India as a hub for investment, innovation, and collaboration.
Exhibitions
- An exhibition titled ‘Vishwaroop Ram — The Universal Legacy of Ramayana’ will be inaugurated by the PM.
- Another exhibition on the diaspora’s contribution to technology and Viksit Bharat.
- A third exhibition will display rare documents of people who migrated from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman.
Growing Strength of Indian Diaspora
- The Indian diaspora now numbers over 35.4 million, with 19.5 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 15.8 million NRIs.
- The largest groups reside in the US and the UAE, with over 2 million PIOs in the US and more than 3.5 million NRIs in the UAE.
- These communities play a crucial role in India's economy and solidifying ties with these nations.
