- Thursday, May 09, 2024
The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is celebrated on January 9 every year, marking the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (9) extended greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (Non Resident Indians Day), hailing the dedication of the Indian diaspora worldwide towards preserving India’s rich heritage and strengthening global ties.
In a post on X, he said, “Greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. This is a day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the Indian diaspora worldwide.
“Their dedication towards preserving our rich heritage and strengthening global ties is commendable,” he said.
The Indian diaspora embodies the spirit of India across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and diversity, Modi added.
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Greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. This is a day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the Indian diaspora worldwide. Their dedication towards preserving our rich heritage and strengthening global ties is commendable. They embody the spirit of India across the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2024
Indian external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who turned 69 the same day, also hailed the Indian diaspora on the occasion by expressing immense pride over the community’s achievements.
In a post on X, he said, “On Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, greetings to the Indian Diaspora across the world. We take immense pride in your achievements. Your outstanding contributions play a crucial role in enhancing India’s global standing.”
On Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, greetings to the Indian Diaspora across the world.
We take immense pride in your achievements.
Your outstanding contributions play a crucial role in enhancing India's global standing.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 9, 2024
Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh, who is currently in the UK, also praised the Indian diaspora on the occasion, saying in a tweet, “My greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. This day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915 and also recognises the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India.
“The Indian diaspora has distinguished itself globally and their rich contribution stands out in every corner of the world. They are India’s strength and the Government led by PM Shri @narendramodi has been making a global impact by reaching out to them. Looking forward to interact with the Indian community in London during my UK visit.”
My greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. This day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915 and also recognises the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India.
The Indian diaspora has distinguished itself…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 9, 2024
The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is an occasion to celebrate the Indian diaspora’s diverse contributions and accomplishments across the world. It reflects the deep connection and sense of unity that is shared by the diaspora, strengthening the country’s cultural ties globally.
The day is celebrated on January 9 every year starting 2003, marking the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on the same date in 1915. The Bharaiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently in power in India, was the ruling party when Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas celebrations started. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister.
The first Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was observed in Delhi while the 17th, which was celebrated last year, was held in Indore in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Since 2015, the annual format was changed into a biennial one with theme-based conferences to be held during the intervening period with participation from overseas diaspora experts, policy makers and stakeholders.
The occasion provides a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government as well as with the people of their ancestors’ land for mutually beneficial activities.
The Indian ministry of external affairs also organises regional Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas conferences to reach out to those members of the diaspora who are unable to attend the main biennial event in India. These conferences have been organised in cities such as New York, Singapore, The Hague, Durban, Sydney, London, among others.
