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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention. This significant event, celebrated once every two years, honoured the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland.

The theme for this year was the “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat”.

What’s in today’s article?

• What is Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas?
• Indian Diaspora: Key Statistics and Influence
• How does the government categorise overseas Indians?
• Key highlights of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
• Prime Minister Modi’s Message at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention

What is Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD)?

• About
  • It is observed on January 9 to strengthen the engagement of the Indian community overseas with the India government and reconnect them with their roots.
    • January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate PBD as it was on this day, in 1915, that Mahatma Gandhi had returned to India from South Africa.
  • It also marks the contribution of the Indians living abroad in the development of the land of their ancestors.
  • PBD conventions were being held every year since 2003.
  • Since 2015, its format has been revised. PBD is now celebrated once in every two years.
• Background
  • A High-Level Committee on Indian Diaspora, headed by LM Singhvi, had recommended in January 2002 that the government must renew and strengthen linkages of overseas Indians to their place of origin, and with each other.
  • The decision to celebrate PBD was taken by the former Indian Prime Minister, late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003.
  • The 1st PBD was celebrated on 9th January, 2003 in New Delhi.
  • It is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other stakeholders.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
  • During the Convention, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is conferred on the selected overseas Indians.
  • This award is given for the significant contributions by overseas Indians to various fields both in India and abroad.
    • It is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin; or an organisation or institution established and run by Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin.
  • PBSA is conferred by the President of India.

Indian Diaspora: Key Statistics and Influence

• Population:
  • USA: 54 lakh
  • UAE: 35 lakh
  • Canada: 28 lakh
  • Saudi Arabia: 24 lakh
• Economic Contribution: The diaspora remitted $125 billion to India in 2023.
• Political and Diplomatic Influence:
  • Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties.
  • Members are increasingly active in politics in countries like the US and Canada.
    • The "Howdy Modi" event in Texas (2019) showcased the influence of the diaspora, with PM Modi and then US President Donald Trump addressing one of the largest gatherings of Overseas Indians.

How does the government categorise overseas Indians?

• Overseas Indians are classified into the following categories:
  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) - Indian citizens residing in foreign countries.
  • Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) - Foreign nationals of Indian origin registered under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Eligibility criteria include:
    • Eligible to be Indian citizens on January 26, 1950, or were Indian citizens after this date.
    • Belonged to territories that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
    • Minor children of eligible individuals, except those from Pakistan or Bangladesh.
  • The Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) category was abolished in 2015 and merged with the OCI category.
  • According to the Ministry of External Affairs, more than 3.5 crore Overseas Indians (that is, Non-Resident Indians or NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin or PIOs) are based abroad.

Key highlights of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

• Chief guest
  • Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, virtually addressed the convention.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA) 2025
  • Global Representation: 27 individuals and organisations from 24 countries, including Malawi, Fiji, Spain, Romania, the US, and the UK.
  • Notable Awardees:
    • Lekh Raj Juneja (Japan): Awarded in the ‘Science & Technology’ Former pharma CEO in Japan; now heads a snack company.
    • Robert Masih Nahar (Spain): Honoured in the ‘Community Service’ First person of Indian origin in the Spanish Senate (2017). Promoted cricket in Catalonia, earning the title “godfather of local cricket”.
    • Syed Anwar Khursheed (Saudi Arabia): Recognised in the ‘Medical Services’ Royal protocol physician for the Saudi royal family.

Prime Minister Modi’s Message at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention

• Call for Global Peace: From Yuddha to Buddha
  • PM Modi emphasized that the future lies in peace, symbolized by Lord Buddha, not in war.
  • Cited Emperor Ashoka’s transformation at Dhauli in Odisha as an inspiration for India’s advocacy for peace.
• India’s Expanding Global Role
  • Highlighted India’s achievements and its growing influence on the global stage.
  • India represents the Global South and advocates initiatives like making the African Union a permanent G20 member.
  • Stressed the principle of ‘humanity first’ in India’s international engagements.
• Spotlight on Historical Diaspora Journeys
  • Example of Mandvi to Muscat: Exhibition on Gujaratis who migrated to Oman 250 years ago.
  • Proposed creating a database on Girmitiyas (indentured laborers) to study their migration, challenges, and achievements.
  • Suggested research, studies, and regular conferences to explore their legacy.
• Vision for a Developed India by 2047
  • Acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora toward making India a developed nation by its 100th year of independence.
  • Encouraged collaborative efforts to celebrate and protect the diaspora’s role in India’s progress.