Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD), also known as Non-Resident Indian Day, is celebrated on January 9 every two years. This day honors the contributions of Indians living abroad toward the development of their homeland. The date has historical significance, as it marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915, symbolizing the role of Indians abroad in shaping India’s destiny. The observance emphasizes strengthening ties between the Indian diaspora and their country of origin while celebrating their achievements globally.
The idea for PBD originated in January 2002 through the recommendations of a High-Level Committee on Indian Diaspora headed by LM Singhvi. This committee suggested renewing connections with overseas Indians and commemorating their stories. Subsequently, the first PBD convention was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on January 9, 2003. Initially celebrated annually, the format changed in 2015 to a biennial event organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with stakeholders like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
During PBD conventions, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is conferred to individuals and organizations of Indian origin who have made significant contributions to various fields globally. The President of India personally bestows this award, underscoring the event’s significance.
What is the Indian Diaspora’s Global Reach?
The Indian diaspora, estimated to be around 35.42 million people as of May 2024, constitutes the largest diaspora in the world. It includes approximately 15.85 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and 19.57 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). Following the 2015 merger of the PIO category into the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) classification, the Indian diaspora is broadly categorized into two groups:
- NRIs: Indian citizens residing abroad.
- OCIs: Foreign nationals of Indian origin who are registered under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, barring those from Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Key countries housing significant Indian populations include the United States (54 lakh), United Arab Emirates (35 lakh), Canada (28 lakh), and Saudi Arabia (24 lakh).
How Does the Indian Diaspora Contribute to India’s Development?
The contributions of the Indian diaspora are monumental across multiple domains:
- Economic Contributions: The Indian diaspora plays a pivotal role in remittances that bolster India’s economy. In 2023, India received a record $125 billion in remittances, constituting 3.4% of its GDP.
- Political Influence: Overseas Indians significantly shape bilateral ties through active engagement in foreign political landscapes, particularly in countries like the United States and Canada. Events like “Howdy Modi” in 2019 in Texas, which saw Prime Minister Modi and then-President Donald Trump address a massive gathering of Indian Americans, demonstrate the diaspora’s influence.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation: With many professionals returning to India to start businesses, the diaspora contributes to innovation and startup ecosystems. Their global exposure helps integrate advanced practices into India’s economic framework.
- Cultural Diplomacy: The diaspora is instrumental in promoting Indian culture, traditions, and heritage globally, strengthening India’s soft power on the international stage.
Who Were the Girmitiyas, and What is Their Historical Role?
A unique chapter of the Indian diaspora’s history revolves around Girmitiyas, indentured laborers from British India transported to work on plantations during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They were sent to regions including Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, South Africa, and Réunion. These laborers signed agreements, known as Girmits, binding them to work for a fixed term under often exploitative conditions. Despite their hardships, the Girmitiyas preserved Indian traditions, blending them into local cultures, thus laying a foundation for the diaspora’s cultural legacy.
How Has Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Evolved Over Time?
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s outreach to its diaspora. Over the years, the event has evolved into more than just a celebration. Its 18th edition in January 2024, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revolved around the theme of the “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). The PM emphasized the diaspora’s role as cultural and economic ambassadors and invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s return as a symbol of transformative power.
India’s recognition of the diaspora is not limited to ceremonial gestures. The government works tirelessly to enhance connectivity through initiatives like the PBD, legal reforms like merging the PIO and OCI categories, and simplifying frameworks for investments. The establishment of institutions like the Pravasi Bharatiya Bhavan in New Delhi also ensures long-term engagement.
What Challenges and Opportunities Lie Ahead?
Despite significant progress, challenges remain. Indian policies must align to leverage the diaspora’s potential fully:
- Regulatory Hurdles: Complex laws and restrictions sometimes prevent seamless investments from the diaspora, particularly in sectors like nuclear energy, where unresolved issues like those in the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 hinder collaboration.
- Coordination Between Ministries: Various ministries working on diaspora-related concerns must synchronize efforts to ensure smooth policy execution.
- Changing Global Dynamics: As countries like the US recalibrate their economic and technological strategies, India must adapt to ensure continued relevance for its diaspora in bilateral frameworks.
Nevertheless, the scope for collaboration is immense. The diaspora’s expertise, wealth, and connections can serve as invaluable resources for India, aligning perfectly with the country’s vision of achieving sustainable development and global prominence.
How Does Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Reflect India’s Vision?
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is a testament to India’s acknowledgment of the profound role played by its diaspora. It is not merely a symbolic event but a strategic initiative to deepen cultural, economic, and technological partnerships with Indians worldwide. By celebrating the diaspora’s achievements and addressing challenges, India continues to build robust bridges with its global community, ensuring shared progress and prosperity. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated, the diaspora is not only India’s “strategic asset” but also a driving force for its aspirations of becoming a global leader in the 21st century.