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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on 9 January marks Mahatma Gandhi’s 1915 return
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is observed on 9 January as a biennial flagship event, marking the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi returns to India from South Africa. On PBD, the Prime Minister highlights the Indian diaspora’s role as cultural ambassadors (Rashtradoots), bringing diaspora engagement into current focus.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) and Indian Diaspora:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) | Celebrated on 9 January |
| PBD date basis | The day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. |
| Term used for | People who have migrated from territories that are currently within the borders of India. |
| Categories included | Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). |
| PIO and OCI status | PIO and OCI card holders were merged under one category of OCI in 2015. |
| Size (January 2025) | 34.35 million, including 17.17 million NRIs. |
| Highlighted on PBD | Cultural ambassadors (Rashtradoots). |
| Soft power | Strengthens people-to-people connections; comprises cultural spirit carried worldwide (examples mentioned: Yoga, festivals like Diwali). |
| Remittances | India is the world’s largest recipient of remittances, about USD 135 billion in FY25. |
| Trade and investment | Trade and investment bridge; example mentioned: diaspora entrepreneurs facilitate India–US IT and services trade. |
| Diplomatic leverage | Significant diaspora presence aids growing mutual relationship and positively shapes India’s global image; example mentioned: India–West Asia relations. |
| Significance | Authorises political advocacy through lobbying local governments and international organizations on issues important to India. |
| Engagement framework | Comprises “4 Cs”: Care for our communities; Connect with global networks; Celebrate our shared heritage; encourage Contributions that drive positive change. |
| Know India Programme (KIP) | Familiarising young diaspora (18–35 years) with India’s culture and heritage. |
| Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) | Assisting Overseas Indian nationals in times of distress and emergency. |