Jacob Hembrom SJ
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is celebrated on January 9 every year to honor the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the development of India. The date commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915, a pivotal event in India’s freedom struggle.
The day serves as a platform to strengthen the bond between India and its global diaspora, fostering cultural, economic, and technological collaborations.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest honor conferred upon overseas Indians, is presented during the event to recognize their outstanding contributions in various fields.
Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, PBD conventions are held every two years, providing a forum for engagement between the Indian government and the diaspora.
The event highlights the diaspora’s role as a bridge connecting India with the global community, promoting trade, investment, and the rich cultural heritage of India on an international platform.