15-01-2021 | 12:22 PM
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)
Context
The 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was celebrated virtually on 9th January, 2020.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Every year Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India.
A number of events such as the PBD Convention, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and the Bharat ko Janiye Quiz are also organized on this occasion.
January 9th was chosen as the day to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) because it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned from South Africa to India and led India’s freedom struggle.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention
The theme of 16th PBD Convention 2021 was “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat“.
PBD conventions were held every year since 2003.
Its format has been revised since 2015 to celebrate the PBD once every two years.
The objective of the Conference is to establish cultural bonds and an ecosystem for cultural propagation among the Diaspora. As Indian Diaspora and various diaspora associations have played a very significant role in the propagation of Indian culture in different parts of the world.
This conference will bring together prominent diaspora figures and associations involved in the propagation of Indian culture to discuss creative ways of leveraging the Diaspora to enhance India’s soft power in this field.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin.
The award is also given to an organisation or institution established and run by Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin.
It is given to those who have made significant contributions in better understanding of India abroad, support India's causes and concerns in a tangible way, community work abroad, welfare of local Indian community, philanthropic and charitable work, etc.
Selected eminent Indian diaspora members are awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in the presence of the President of India during the PBD convention.
30 Winners of the 2021 Award includes Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Curacao Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath and New Zealand minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan.
Bharat ko Janiye Quiz
In 2015-16, Bharat ko Janiye Quiz was launched to strengthen engagement with young Indians (18-35) from overseas and inspire them to know more about their country of origin.
The first edition was held in 2015-16 which was followed by the second edition of Bharat ko Janiye Quiz in 2018-19.
15 winners of the Quiz were announced during the PBD convention and they will be invited for an India Tour (Bharat ko Janiye Darshan) after the pandemic.
Note: The Youth PBD was celebrated virtually on the theme "Bringing together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora” on 8 January 2021, and it was anchored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
