17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is inaugurated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The theme of the 2023 is “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal “.

What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

• It is a flagship event of the Government of India that provides a platform to engage with overseas Indians and also enables the Indian diaspora to interact with each other.
• PBD Convention was first organized on 9th January 2003 to mark the contribution of overseas Indians to the development of India.
• January 9 was selected to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915.
• Since 2015, the PBD Convention was celebrated under a revised format once every two year.
• Special events during PBD Convention
  • Release of a stamp “Surakshit Jaayen, Prashikshit Jaayen”.
  • First-ever Digital Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Exhibition under theme ” Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle”.

Five thematic plenary sessions at PBD Convention

• Role of Diaspora Youth in Innovation and New Technologie
• Role of Indian Diaspora in promoting India’s Healthcare Eco-system in Amrit Kaal : Vision @2047.
• Leverage the soft power of India through cuisine, craft and creativity.
• Enabling global mobility of Indian workforce – Role of Indian Diaspora.
• Harnessing the potential of Indian diaspora entrepreneurs towards an inclusive approach to nation-building.

Don’t miss: Current Affairs Quiz 10th January 2023

Indian Diaspora

• It comprises NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin who have acquired citizenship of some other country).
• As per the “International Migration 2020 Report” India has the largest diaspora population in the world (18 million).
• UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia host the largest population of Indian migrants.
• As per World Bank report, India received $ 87 billion in remittances in 2021, making it the top recipient globally. And in 2022, the Indian economy is on track to receive more than $ 100 billion.

Government initiative for the betterment of Indian Diaspora

• Organization of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
• Know India Programme to familiarise Indian-origin youth (18-30 years) with their Indian roots.
• Establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.
• Swarnapravas Yojana for promoting the employability of Indian workers abroad.