Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is biennially observed across India on 9 January to recognise and honour the significant contributions of the overseas Indian community to the nation’s development.
- What? Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD).
- When? 9th January
- Why? Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India in 1915.
- Format: Biennial (Main convention held every two years since 2015).
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- Upcoming Convention: 2027 (19th Edition)
Background:
Early Observation: Observed annually on 9th January since 2003 to mark Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa in 1915 to lead India’s freedom struggle.
Organizer: In October 2015, former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that PBD would be held biennially in alternate years, under a theme-based format.
PBD Convention: It is the MEA’s flagship event, first introduced in 2003 by the Government of India (GoI) under Prime Minister (PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee, celebrates and engages the overseas Indian community for their contributions to India’s development.
Previous Event: The 18th PBD Convention was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 8th to 10th January 2025 under the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”
Next Event: The 19th PBD Convention will be held in 2027.
PBSA: The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA), India’s highest honour for overseas Indians, is presented by the President of India during the PBD Convention’s Valedictory Session and is awarded to NRIs, Person of Indian Origin (PIOs), or organizations/institutions run by them for exceptional contributions.
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