Lucknow/New Delhi: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was celebrated with great enthusiasm on January 9 across India and in several countries worldwide. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to Indians living abroad, acknowledging their significant role in strengthening India’s global presence.
In his message, the Prime Minister said that Indians living overseas serve as a strong bridge between India and the world. To mark the day, Indian missions across the globe organised a variety of programmes highlighting the contributions of the Indian diaspora.
At the United Nations in Geneva, India’s Permanent Mission hosted a grand evening event that witnessed participation from a large number of people of Indian origin. Similarly, the Indian Consulate General in Shanghai celebrated the day by focusing on the promotion of Indian entrepreneurship. Consul General Pratik Mathur visited Hangzhou’s regional tourism centres and emerging AI hubs as part of the celebrations.
During the visit, the Consul General interacted with members of the Indian community and young Indian diaspora thought leaders working in next-generation AI and technology startups. He appreciated their innovative efforts in driving change across sectors and contributing to “Made in India, Made for the World” AI solutions.
The Indian Embassy in Bhutan, in a post on social media platform X, stated that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a long-standing occasion to strengthen bonds, deepen friendships, and honour the contribution of the Indian diaspora to India’s development.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also extended his greetings to nearly 35 million Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin worldwide. In his message on X, he said, “We are proud of you,” adding that the Indian diaspora plays a vital role in enhancing India’s global identity through their achievements in progress, innovation, and development.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India on January 9, 1915. The day is observed to recognise and celebrate the contribution of overseas Indians to the nation’s growth. It provides a platform for cultural programmes, the conferment of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards, and discussions on India’s development journey.
The Ministry of External Affairs organises the main Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention every two years in different states, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora, policymakers, and key stakeholders.
The day holds special significance as India has the world’s largest diaspora. The impact of overseas Indians is evident from their contributions ranging from sending nearly USD 130 billion in remittances to influencing policymaking in several major countries. According to Reserve Bank of India data, remittances account for more than 3 percent of India’s GDP, reinforcing the Prime Minister’s view that the Indian diaspora truly acts as a powerful bridge between India and the world.
