Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, celebrated on January 9 each year, pays tribute to the significant contributions of the vast Indian diaspora, which exceeds 32 million worldwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the diaspora for their global representation of India's spirit, emphasizing their role in upholding the nation's rich heritage and strengthening global connections. The day also marks Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa in 1915.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged the diaspora's pivotal role in enhancing India's global standing, expressing pride in their achievements. The Ministry of External Affairs has conducted 17 Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas conventions, serving as a significant platform for engagement among overseas Indians and facilitating their interaction.
First introduced in 2003 by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this biennial event has seen active participation from the diaspora, showcasing their contributions. Political figures, including the Congress and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, expressed gratitude to the Indian diaspora, acknowledging their role as cultural ambassadors and catalysts for India's global prominence.
The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention, held in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh government from January 8-10, 2023, had the theme "Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal." Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, over 3,500 diaspora members from nearly 70 countries participated, highlighting the event's global significance and the enduring impact of the Indian diaspora across various nations.
(With Agency Inputs)
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