Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025- Date, Theme, History and Highlights

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is an annual event celebrated on January 9th in India to honour and engage with the Indian diaspora worldwide. This significant occasion aims to strengthen the bonds between India and its overseas citizens, leveraging their expertise and resources for the nation’s development.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025- Date

The 18th PBD Convention was held from January 8th to 10th, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The convention focused on fostering deeper engagement with the diaspora, particularly youth, and exploring avenues for their active participation in India’s growth story.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025-Theme

The theme for this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”. This theme highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in India’s development. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas- History

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated to strengthen India’s ties with the Indian diaspora. This day is observed by the Government of India to acknowledge the contributions of Indian expatriates and to involve them in India’s development.  

• First Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated in 2003.
• Objective: The main objective of this day is to make the Indian diaspora partners in India’s development and to promote partnerships with them.
• Significance: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas plays a crucial role in strengthening relations between India and the Indian diaspora.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-Key Events and Discussions

1. Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: The convention commenced with a dedicated day for young diaspora members, focusing on their leadership potential and innovative ideas.
2. Plenary Sessions: A series of insightful plenary sessions were held, covering diverse topics such as:

• “Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World”
• “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills”
• “Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development”

1. “Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti”¹
2. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards: Prestigious awards were conferred upon distinguished members of the Indian diaspora who have made significant contributions to India and their respective host countries.
3. Interactive Sessions: A series of interactive sessions facilitated networking and knowledge sharing among participants, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-Significance

• Economic Growth: The Indian diaspora plays a vital role in India’s economic development through:
• Remittances: Significant inflows of remittances from overseas Indians contribute significantly to India’s foreign exchange reserves and support economic growth.
• Investments: Investments from the diaspora in various sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and startups drive economic progress.
• Skill and Expertise: The diaspora brings valuable skills, knowledge, and expertise to India, contributing to innovation and development across various sectors.
• Cultural Exchange: PBD promotes cultural exchange between India and the global Indian community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian culture and heritage worldwide.
• Soft Power Enhancement: The event enhances India’s soft power by showcasing the achievements and contributions of the Indian diaspora on the global stage.
• Building Bridges: PBD serves as a crucial platform for building bridges between India and its diaspora, strengthening ties and fostering a sense of shared identity.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Summary

Category	Details
Why in News?	The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held from January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Date	January 9th (Annual Event)
Theme (2025)	“Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”
History	– First celebrated in 2003.
	– Objective: To engage the Indian diaspora as partners in India’s development.
	– Significance: Strengthening relations between India and the Indian diaspora.
Key Events and Discussions	– Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Focused on leadership and innovation among youth.
	– Plenary Sessions: Topics included diaspora youth leadership, migrant skills, sustainable development, and women leadership (“Nari Shakti”).
	– Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards: Conferred on distinguished diaspora members.
	– Interactive Sessions: Facilitated networking and knowledge sharing.
Significance	– Economic Growth: Contributions through remittances, investments, and expertise.
	– Cultural Exchange: Promoting India’s heritage globally.
	– Soft Power Enhancement: Showcasing the diaspora’s achievements on the global stage.
	– Building Bridges: Strengthening the shared identity between India and its diaspora.