Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021

The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is celebrated on January 9 every year. This year the 16^th Pravasai Bharatiya Diwas was celebrated virtually under the Theme: Contributing to Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The day seeks to interact with the Indian diaspora residing in different parts of the world.

Significance of the day

The day marks the event of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India in the year 1915. The day is celebrated in order to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community in the development of India.

Pravasi Bharatiya convention

• The Pravasi Bharatiya Convention is celebrated since 2003 every year on the recommendation of L M Singhvi Committee.
• However, in the year 2015, its format was revised to celebrate the day once every two years.
• Also, it was decided to hold theme-based Conferences.
• The convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs.
• It helps to provide an important platform in order to engage and connect with the overseas Indians.
• The Chief Guest for the 2021 event is Priyanca Radhakrishnan who happens to be the Minister for Community and Voluntary Sector of New Zealand.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

• On the occasion of the day, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is also given.
• This award is the highest honour given to the overseas Indians.
• This award is given by the President of India as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions.
• The Awards are given to select Indian diaspora in order to recognise their achievements and honour their contributions in various fields in India as well as abroad.

Gandhi’s Return

Mahatma Gandhi had returned to India from South Africa on 9^th January, 1915. He became the greatest Pravasi and led the Freedom Struggle of India. His efforts led the freedom of India from the British or the colonial rule.