NRI’s play a crucial role in the countries where they have settled, excelling in various fields and contributing to socio-economic, technological, and cultural advancements, as well as participating in the political landscape. It is fitting to say that the Pravasi Bharatiyas always carry India in their hearts and minds, feeling immense pride in their roots and origins. They significantly contribute to India's economic, social, and technological development. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, 2025, and was held in high regard. This year, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was hosted in the eastern part of India, marking a first of its kind. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s focus on 'Purvodaya.' Odisha has a historical maritime connection with Southeast Asia, and these ties are being renewed in modern times. On this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, giving this date special significance.
The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas fell at 2003, and in 2015, it was decided to host the celebration biannually. This year's theme of PBD: 'Contributions of Diaspora towards Viksit Bharat,' signifies the indispensable role of the Indian Diaspora in growing a developed India in consonance with the government's vision of a `Viksit Bharat.' January 9 was chosen because it was the day that Gandhi Ji returned from South Africa to India in 1915, a moment that changed many lives and later inspired the struggle for freedom. The day concluded with a mesmerizing cultural performance, showcasing many art forms assigned for the state. On January 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally opened PBD 2025. The Chief Guest for the event, H.E. Christine Caria Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, delivered her address via virtual mode. In her address, she expressed pride in her Indian ancestry and acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora in her country. While addressing the huge gathering, Prime Minister Modi invited the Indian diaspora to lend their full and effective support in pursuit of the vision Viksit Bharat 2047. This date is significant since it denotes the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915, making it reasonable to celebrate Non-Resident Indian Day. Highlights of the day include the all-important contribution made by non-resident Indians in the socio-economic, cultural, technological, and also political spheres of their adopted countries and also their contributions in the development processes of their homeland. In turn, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon the Indian diaspora abroad to exhibit critical roles in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by the year 2047.
A significant gathering of delegates from over 75 countries took part in PBD2025. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the first day of the Convention—January 8, 2025—was dedicated to the youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, featuring Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, as the guest of honor. He also urged diaspora members to take steps to preserve their history through initiatives like digitizing historical documents, films, documentaries, and research.
The Prime Minister discussed the importance of uniting the diaspora at the Girmitiya Conference. He encouraged members of the diaspora to visit India, especially for the Maha Kumbh 2025, and to support the ‘Chalo India’ tourism initiative. As part of PBD 2025, the Prime Minister remotely launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Express and inaugurated several exhibitions, including VishwaroopRam, Recording Diaspora’s History - Mandavi to Muscat, Diaspora’s Contributions to Technology, and Viksit Bharat and Odisha’s Economic Progress and Heritage. He also engaged with the recipients of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honor given to overseas Indians. On January 10, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to 27 individuals in Bhubaneswar.
This day specifically reminds them of their roots, invoking thoughts of India, even when they are abroad. They are proud of their identity in Indian tradition and contribute to economic and technical growth in India during their period of status away from their homeland. Let us celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas with great zeal and dedication to further strengthen the relationship with NRIs and enable them to become potential agents of a major socio-economic and technological development in India. The vision of a developed Bharat, as envisioned by PM Modi, will be realized with the support from NRIs emerging as central to this grand endeavour. We envision a developed nation by India 2047, with all him contributing to the same in form of different type of prosperity for the non-resident Indians. May this day further strengthen the ties of brotherhood that exist between Indians and non-resident Indians and pave the way to fruitful collaboration in the spirit of advancing India. Hence, Non-Resident Day assumes great significance to the nation so that NRIs continue to support India's development during their respective period of service in their adopted countries. Jai India, Jai Pravasi Bharatiyas.
(Vivek Koul)
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