Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is an annual event celebrated in India to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India.
PBD is held on January 9th every year to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in 1915, and his role in India’s Independence movement. The event was first held in 2003, and has been held annually since then.
Since 2015, under a revised format, PBD Convention has been organised once every 2 years.
16 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions have been organised till date. 16th PBD theme was “Contributing to Atma Nirbhar Bharat” in 2021 during the pandemic. It was conducted in a virtual setting.
It is been organised by the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry and other organisations.
Why in NEWS?
Prime Minister formally launched the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. MEA S Jaishankar and MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan threw open the event on 9th JAN 2023.
Key Highlights of 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
The PBD theme for the year is “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle / आजादी का अमृत महोत्सव – भारतीय स्वतंत्रता संग्राम में प्रवासी का योगदान”
Special Guest of Honour H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname.
Chief Guest of PBD, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2023 includes five Plenary Sessions on the following themes:
- Plenary Session I: Role of Diaspora Youth in Innovation and New Technologies
- Plenary Session II: Role of Indian Diaspora in promoting Indian Healthcare Eco-system in Amrit Kaal: Vision @2047
- Plenary Session III: Leveraging the Soft Power of India- Goodwill through Craft, Cuisine & Creativity
- Plenary Session IV: Enabling global mobility of Indian workforce – Role of Indian Diaspora
- Plenary Session V : Harnessing the potential of diaspora entrepreneurs particularly women towards an inclusive approach to nation building.
Importance of PBD?
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) provides a platform for the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of India, and to share their experiences and insights. Thus it helps to strengthen ties between India and the global Indian diaspora, and to recognise the achievements and contributions of Indians living abroad.
Who’s Indian Diaspora?
The Indian diaspora includes the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and the Person of Indian Origin (PIO). The two communities have played a major role in promoting and facilitating investments by expatriate Indians in India.
PBD and Indian Economy:
PBD has also contributed to the growth of India’s economy by attracting FDI and promoting the export of Indian goods and services.
It helps to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in India. It encourages the return of skilled Indian workers and entrepreneurs.
PBD has helped to promote the transfer of knowledge, technology, and expertise between India and the global Indian diaspora. It also contribute to the overall development of the Indian economy.
Why PBD important to India?
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is also an opportunity for the government to showcase the progress and development of the country to the global Indian community.
It is a way to showcase the achievements and potential of India as a nation. And to highlight the opportunities that are available for Indians living abroad to invest, work, and study in India.
SOURCE: TOI
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