The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is celebrated every year on 9th January in India. The NRI day aims to honor the contribution of the overseas Indians in the growth and development of India. On this day, Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to India in 1915 and fought for the peace and freedom of the Indians.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was first observed in 2003. On this day, an event is held in an Indian city to give the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to overseas Indians for their exceptional and meritorious contribution in their chosen field or profession. The award is organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.
On the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the concept of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) was launched in 2006. OCI aims to allow people of Indian origin and their spouses to live and work in India indefinitely but they do not have the right to vote in Indian elections or hold public office.
In 2015, the Ministry of overseas Indian affairs changed the format of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event. As per the change, the event has been organized every two years in different states and theme-based conferences have been conducted during the intervening years with participation from the overseas Indian community. These conferences connect the overseas Indians with the government and people of India through which they can share their experiences in various fields.
In 2015, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was held at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat with the theme “Apna Bharat, Apna Gaurav”.
What will be the theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on 9th January. The event will be held virtually due to the covid-19 outbreak with the theme “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” During the virtual convention, the winners of the online Bharat ko Janiye Quiz for the young overseas Indian will also be announced.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021 Convention will have 3 segments –
- 1st Plenary would be on Role of Diaspora in Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- 2nd Plenary would be on Facing Post Covid Challenges – Scenario in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations
- 3rd Plenary would be the Valedictory Session
At last, the names of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees for 2020-21 will also be announced.