Overview of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) serves as a significant platform that celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora worldwide. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, this biennial event is a culmination of India’s efforts to foster connections with its expatriates and to appreciate their invaluable input towards the country’s development. Established in 2003, the event traditionally falls on January 9, commemorating the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in 1915, symbolizing the enduring bond between India and its global community.
Since 2015, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has evolved into a more dynamic event, incorporating theme-based conferences conducted in the intervening years to discuss contemporary issues faced by the diaspora. Such themes are meticulously chosen to reflect the changing global landscape, addressing topics such as innovation, technology, and the role of the diaspora in societal advancement. The event not only facilitates robust dialogues among NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) but also strengthens their connection to India through various initiatives and programs aimed at their engagement and empowerment.
The importance of PBD extends beyond mere celebrations; it is a strategic effort to highlight India’s diversity and progress on an international stage. It promotes understanding and collaboration between the Indian government and its diaspora, paving the way for renewed partnerships in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The gathering of NRIs and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) provides a unique opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations that can contribute to the socio-economic development of India. Certainly, the PBD stands as a testament to the spirit of unity and cooperative growth within the expansive Indian community across the globe.
Historical Significance of the PBD
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) has a profound historical significance rooted in the commemoration of January 9th, which marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915. This occasion is not merely a date on the calendar; it symbolizes a landmark moment in both the life of an extraordinary leader and India’s eventual struggle for independence. As the greatest ‘pravasi’ or Indian living abroad, Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa were pivotal in shaping his philosophy of non-violent resistance and civil rights, which later became instrumental in mobilizing the Indian populace against colonial rule.
The inception of PBD in 2003 aimed to celebrate the contributions of the Indian diaspora spread across the globe and highlight their significance in nation-building. Gandhi’s return to India is celebrated as a turning point that ignited the flames of nationalism. His vision for an independent India galvanized a diverse demographic across the nation, many of whom encountered similar challenges as expatriates. The PBD thus acts as a tribute to this shared struggle and experience of indians worldwide, acknowledging the invaluable role they play in fostering cultural and economic ties with India.
Over the years, the PBD has evolved into a platform for discussing issues pertinent to the Indian diaspora, including their contributions in various fields such as science, technology, culture, and sports. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the changing dynamics of the Indian community abroad, strengthening relationships with their homeland, and celebrating their achievements. The PBD, therefore, serves both as a historical remembrance and a modern-day acknowledgment of the enduring human connection between India and its global citizens.
Goals and Objectives of the Event
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) serves as a significant platform for acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the development of both India and their respective regions. One of the primary goals of this event is to recognize the invaluable role that overseas Indians play in promoting India’s interests globally while simultaneously advancing their host countries’ socioeconomic frameworks. The event seeks to highlight the diverse fields where the diaspora has achieved remarkable success, fostering a sense of pride and connection among Indian citizens abroad.
Another objective of the PBD is to enhance understanding of India among international communities. By showcasing India’s culture, heritage, and advancements in various sectors such as technology, education, and healthcare, the event aims to bridge cultural gaps and build a more profound appreciation for India’s contributions on a global scale. By organizing discussions, workshops, and exhibitions, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas facilitates meaningful exchanges of ideas and experiences, thereby enriching the knowledge of Indian traditions and innovations among foreign audiences.
Moreover, the event strives to support local Indian communities through initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, skill development, and social welfare. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas acts as a channel for local Indian societies to connect with their ancestral roots and seek guidance and support from their counterparts in India. This engagement creates a reciprocal relationship where the diaspora can contribute to community development in India, while also nurturing their significance in local communities abroad.
Ultimately, these objectives are instrumental in strengthening ties between India and its global diaspora, ensuring a unified approach toward development, cultural exchange, and cooperative growth. Through meaningful dialogue and shared experiences, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas recognizes the dynamic interconnection between India and its citizens worldwide.
Theme of the 18th PBD: ‘The Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), scheduled for early January 2023, emphasizes the profound impact that the Indian diaspora can have on India’s journey towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or Developed India. This theme encapsulates the aspirations of a nation striving to enhance its economic status, social equity, and technological advancements, while simultaneously acknowledging the vital role that overseas Indians play in this transformative process. The term ‘Viksit Bharat’ is synonymous with progress and development, subtly inviting contributions from the diaspora in various sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, and sustainable development.
The choice of this theme resonates with India’s current national goals, which aim to integrate the talents and resources of the Indian diaspora into the country’s growth narrative. With highly skilled professionals scattered around the globe, the diaspora serves as an invaluable asset, positioned to bridge gaps in knowledge and investment. Engaging this community not only fosters a sense of belonging but also propels India towards achieving ambitious targets outlined in its developmental agendas.
Throughout the event, numerous activities and discussions are slated to take place that will encourage active participation from the Indian diaspora. These will include panels on entrepreneurship, technology sharing innovations, and workshops focused on collaborative projects. Initiatives aimed at harnessing the collective power of the diaspora will be a significant focus, fostering partnerships that align with national priorities. This approach not only celebrates the contributions of the overseas community but also establishes pathways for ongoing engagement.
In summary, the theme ‘The Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’ highlights the essential role that the Indian diaspora plays in India’s developmental journey, reflecting contemporary aspirations and goals while paving the way for constructive collaboration and progress.
