Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Date, Theme, History, Significance, Activities and FAQ’s

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Date

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 is celebrated on January 9th.

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What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is a day dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Indians living abroad (Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin) to India’s development and global presence. It is an opportunity to honor their achievements and to strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora. This serves as a platform for the government to engage with the Indian community worldwide, share policies, and invite collaboration for national growth.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Theme

The theme for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in 2025 is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, emphasizing the vital role of the Indian diaspora in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: History

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is a day dedicated to celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s development. The idea for PBD emerged from the recommendations of a High-Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora, chaired by L. M. Singhvi.

On January 9, 2002, then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced the establishment of PBD, choosing January 9th to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India in 1915—a pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle.

The inaugural PBD event took place in 2003, aiming to provide a platform for the overseas Indian community to engage with the Indian government and explore opportunities for investment and mutual growth.

Initially, PBD was celebrated annually, but in 2015, the format was revised to a biennial celebration. The event has been hosted in various cities across India, each time focusing on different themes relevant to the diaspora’s role in India’s progress.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Significance

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) holds great significance as it celebrates the bond between India and its global diaspora. Here’s why it is important:

1. Honoring Contributions: PBD recognizes the achievements of Indians abroad in fields like business, education, science, and culture, showcasing their role in enhancing India’s global reputation.
2. Strengthening Connections: The event strengthens the relationship between India and its diaspora by providing a platform for engagement, collaboration, and dialogue on key developmental issues.
3. Acknowledging Historical Significance: Celebrating PBD on January 9th marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa in 1915, symbolizing the power of Indian emigrants in shaping the nation.
4. Encouraging Investments: The event promotes investment opportunities in India, encouraging NRIs to contribute to sectors like technology, healthcare, and infrastructure.
5. Cultural Exchange: PBD celebrates Indian culture, ensuring that the diaspora maintains its roots while fostering cultural exchange between India and other countries.
6. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards: These awards honor outstanding NRIs and PIOs, inspiring others to actively engage with India’s growth story.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Activities

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is scheduled to take place from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This biennial event celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s development and fosters connections between overseas Indians and their homeland.

Key Activities Planned for PBD 2025:

1. Youth PBD (Jan 8): Focus on diaspora youth and their role in India’s development.
2. Inauguration (Jan 9): Opened by PM Modi with the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Developed India.”
3. Plenary Sessions: Discussions on youth leadership, sustainable development, cultural ties, and women empowerment.
4. Cultural Programs: Showcasing Odisha’s heritage through dance, music, and art.
5. Exhibitions: Highlighting investment and partnership opportunities in India.
6. Valedictory Session (Jan 10): President Murmu honors 30 diaspora members with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.

The event strengthens bonds between India and its diaspora while celebrating their contributions.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: FAQ’s

1. What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is a special day celebrated to honor the contributions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to India’s development. It recognizes the achievements of Indians living abroad and strengthens their connection with their homeland.

2. When is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated?
It is celebrated every year on January 9th.

3. Why is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated on January 9th?
January 9th was chosen because it’s the day Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi (emigrant), returned to India from South Africa in 1915. His return marked a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.

4. What is the significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
This day acknowledges the immense contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s economy, culture, and global image. It acts as a bridge, connecting NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) with India’s progress and policies.

5. Who organizes Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
The event is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in collaboration with various state governments and stakeholders.

6. What is the theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025?
The theme for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in 2025 is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”.

7. Where is the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 will be held?
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 is scheduled to take place from January 8 to 10, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

8. Who is the chief guest at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025?
The specific identity of the chief guest for the inaugural session on January 9, 2025, has not been publicly disclosed as of now, the event will feature distinguished dignitaries, including the Prime Minister and the President of India.

9. How can one participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas events?
Participation is usually open to NRIs, PIOs, and other interested individuals through online registration on the official PBD website. Early registration is recommended as seats are limited.

10. What is the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award?
This prestigious award is given to selected members of the Indian diaspora for their exceptional contributions in fields like business, culture, public service, and community welfare.

11. How can NRIs contribute to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
NRIs can participate in discussions, share innovative ideas, invest in India, and collaborate with government and private sectors to support India’s growth in various fields.

12. What are the benefits of attending Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
Attendees get opportunities to network with leaders, policymakers, and business professionals. It also provides a platform to explore investment opportunities and reconnect with Indian culture.

13. How does Pravasi Bharatiya Divas strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora?
The event fosters dialogue between the government and NRIs, highlights their contributions, and provides a platform for collaboration in national development.

14. What events are organized during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
Events include cultural programs, discussions on global issues, sessions on India’s development plans, exhibitions, and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards ceremony.