Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Begins In Indore Today, Learn More About This Event

Indore: Pravasi Bhartiya Divas begins in Indore today. Let's tell you more about Pravasi Bhartiya Divas or PBD.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is observed annually on 9th January. The then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had announced to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in the year 2002. This day marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India. Gandhiji returned to India from South Africa in the year 1915.

First Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated in 2003

The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated in the year 2003. The day marks the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India. PBD is being organized biennially from the year 2015.

Special conferences are organised on this subject to recognize the contribution of Indian diaspora communities. The PBD Convention provides a platform for Indian diaspora from 110 countries around the world to interact and exchange ideas, thereby creating an atmosphere of trust and goodwill among the diaspora around the world. 

Every year the PBD convention is celebrated at various places across India. In the past, the conference has had the honour of being attended by heads of states and dignitaries from around the world as chief guests. The enthusiastic participation of hundreds of NRIs and PIOs from different countries is a mark of success of the conference.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Samman

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA) are also presented by the President of India at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honor given to a Non-Resident Indian, a person of Indian origin. The award is also given to an organization or institution established and run by a non-resident Indian. 

The award is given to commemorate the contribution of the Indian diaspora in creating a better understanding of India abroad, supporting India’s cause and working for the welfare of the local Indian community. So far 269 overseas members have been honored with the PBSA Award, which includes both individuals as well as organizations. 

For the year 2021, a total of 30 awards were given to individuals and organizations belonging to 15 Indian states working in 26 countries of the world. These awards were given in the fields of business, public/community services, medicine, Indian culture, education, science and technology etc.