9-Jan-2021: PM Inaugurates Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention

The Prime Minister,  Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas Convention today. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister complimented the overseas Indians for their role during the Corona pandemic in their respective countries. He said that during his discussions with the State Heads, he always felt pride in the overseas Indians when the Heads praised the Indian’s in their countries for their contribution as doctors, paramedics and as general citizens. He also noted the contribution of the overseas Indian’s in India’s fight against COVID.

Noting India’s role in dealing with Y2K crisis and  strides made by the Indian pharma industry, the Prime Minister said that India’s capabilities always benefit humanity. India is always at the forefront of mitigation of global challenges. India’s lead in fight against colonialism and terrorism gave strength to the world to face these menaces.

The Prime Minister said that much of the credit of the world’s trust in India, its food, fashion, family values and business values goes to the overseas Indians. Conduct of the overseas Indians created an interest in Indian way and values and what started as curiosity turned into convention. The Prime Minister said that as India is moving with the goal of AatmaNirbhar India, the overseas Indian have a major role to play as their use of made in  India products will create more confidence in Indian products.

The Prime Minister also explained to the diaspora, India’s capable response to the pandemic. He said globally, there is no other example of this kind of democratic unity against the virus. Despite dependence in critical things like PPE kits, masks, ventilators or testing kits, India developed its capabilities not only to become self-reliant but started exporting many things. Today, India is among the countries with the least fatality rate and fastest recovery rate. As pharmacy of the world, India is helping the world and entire world is looking at India as the country prepares to embark upon the largest vaccination programme in the world with two Indigenously developed vaccines.

The Prime Minister outlined the progress made by the country in reining in corruption through direct benefit transfer (DBT) which came in for global praise during the pandemic period. Similarly, empowerment of the poor and strides in the field of renewable energy are bringing laurels to the country.

The Prime Minister pointed out that today’s India’s space programme, tech start-up ecosystem, its ‘unicorns’ are subverting the age-old narrative of India’s illiteracy. He invited the overseas Indians to take advantage of the reforms undertaken during the recent months in areas ranging from education to enterprise. He specially mentioned Production Linked Subsidies Scheme to popularize manufacturing in this regard.

The Prime Minister assured the diaspora of all the support from their motherland. He mentioned Vande Bharat Mission in which more than 45 lakh Indians were rescued during Corona times. He also informed about the diplomatic efforts to protect employment of the overseas Indians. There has been initiative of 'Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support' (SWADES) for returning immigrants from Gulf and other area. He also talked about Global Pravasi Rishta portal for better connectivity and communication with the Pravasi Bhartiyas.

The Prime Minister thanked H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Hon’ble President of the Republic of Suriname for his leadership and keynote address. He expressed hope to meet him soon. Shri Modi also congratulated the winners of Pravasi Bhartiya Samman and winners of the quiz competition.

The Prime Minister asked the diaspora to participate in the celebration of 75th anniversary of the country’s freedom. He asked the members of the diaspora and people in Indian Missions world over to prepare a portal, a digital platform where contribution of the Pravasi Bhartiyas in the freedom struggle of India can be documented.

9-Jan-2021: President of India Virtually Addresses the Valedictory Session of 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention

Our Diaspora is our face to the world, and champions India’s cause on the global stage. It has always come to India’s aid, whether it is for advocacy regarding international issues of concern to India, or contributing to the Indian economy by way of investments and remittances, said the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind while addressing the valedictory session of the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention today (January 9, 2021) via video conferencing.

The President said that on this very day in the year 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi Bharatiya, returned to India. He gave a much wider base to our social reforms and freedom movement, and during the next three decades, he changed India in many fundamental ways. Before that, during his two decades of stay abroad, Bapu had identified the basic principles underlying the approach India should adopt for its growth and development. The President said that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is also an occasion to recall Gandhiji’s ideals for individual and collective life. Gandhiji’s emphasis on Indianness, nonviolence, ethics, simplicity and sustainable development remain our guiding principles, he added.

The President said that we are indebted to Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee whose vision re-energised the links with our diaspora. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations started in 2003 when he was the Prime Minister of India. Atalji’s initiatives have proved immensely helpful in strengthening the engagement of diaspora with the motherland.

The President noted that India has one of the largest diaspora populations of nearly 30 million, residing in every corner of the world today. Addressing the Indian diaspora, the President said “you have spread the soft power of India and made your mark on the global stage. Your continued emotional attachment to India, its culture and traditions makes all of us very proud of you. You have been contributing to the growth and development of the countries of your residence and, at the same time, you have been carrying your Indianness in your hearts. This emotional bonding has also translated into tangible gains for India. You have expanded India’s global embrace.”

Speaking about the COVID pandemic, the President said that year 2020 has been the year of a global crisis caused by the COVID-19. India has been at the forefront in forging a global response to combat the enormous challenges posed by the pandemic. We supplied medicines to nearly 150 countries, making the world look at India as the ‘pharmacy of the world’. The recent success of our scientists and technicians in developing two COVID vaccines is a major achievement for the Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan which is driven by the spirit of global well-being.

The President said that the seeds of an Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat were sown many years ago by Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Swadeshi and Self-reliance. Our vision of Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat has five key pillars of economy, infrastructure, demography, democracy and supply chains. Successful integration of all these factors will help achieve rapid growth and development. The President said that the idea of ‘Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat’ does not mean seeking self-centered arrangements or turning the country inwards. It is about self-belief leading to self-sufficiency. We intend to contribute towards mitigating disruptions in global supply chains by enhancing availability of goods and services. The Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan of India would make the world order more just and fair, promoting greater cooperation and peace. Our diaspora has an important role in the realization of India’s global aspirations, he added.

7-Jan-2021: PM to Inaugurate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021 on 9 January

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians. In view of the sentiments of our vibrant diaspora community, the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, is being organized on 9th January 2021, despite the ongoing Covid pandemic. The Convention will be held in virtual format, as were the PBD Conferences held recently in the run up to the Convention. The theme of 16th PBD Convention 2021 is "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat".

PBD Convention will have three segments. The PBD Convention will be inaugurated by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and will feature a keynote address by the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Hon’ble President of the Republic of Suriname. The winners of the online Bharat ko Janiye Quiz for the youth will also be announced.

The Inaugural session will be followed by the two Plenary sessions. The first Plenary on Role of Diaspora in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, will feature addresses by External Affairs Minister and Commerce and Industry Minister while the second Plenary on Facing Post Covid Challenges - Scenario in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations, will be addressed by Minister of Health and Minister of State for External Affairs. Both Plenaries will feature panel discussions inviting eminent diaspora experts.

The finale would be the Valedictory Session where the Hon’ble Rashtrapati ji will deliver his Valedictory address to mark the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The names of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees for 2020-21 will also be announced. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are conferred to select Indian diaspora members to recognize their achievements and honour their contributions to various fields, both in India and abroad.

The Youth PBD will also be celebrated virtually on the theme "Bringing together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora” on 8 January 2021, and will be anchored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Special Guest for the event is H.E. Ms. Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for Community & Voluntary Sector of New Zealand.

22-Jan-2019: 15th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas inaugurated

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the plenary session of the 15th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul in Varanasi. Chief Guest of PBD 2019, Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, Governor of Uttar Pradesh Ram Naik, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat, Union Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Retd. General V K Singh and several other dignitaries graced the occasion.

It is the love and affection of the diaspora for the land of their forefathers which has brought them to India. He called upon the NRI community to join hands for building a new India.

PM lauded the role of Indian diaspora in keeping alive the tradition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He said the NRIs are not only the Brand Ambassadors of India but also represent its strength, capabilities and characteristics. He urged the diaspora to participate in building a New India specially in research and innovation.

PM said that with its rapid progress, India is being seen on a high pedestal across the world and is in a position to lead the global community. International Solar Alliance is one such example. Mr. Modi added that local solution and global application is our mantra. He termed International Solar Alliance as a step in the direction of One World, One Sun, One Grid.

Prime Minister said that India is on course to become a global economic powerhouse. It has one of the largest start-up ecosystems and world's largest healthcare scheme to its credit. We have moved on with great strides in Make in India. A bumper harvest production has been our major achievement.

PM lamented that due to lack of will power and proper policies of the previous Government, a large chunk of funds earmarked for them was not available for the Beneficiaries. However today, he said we have plugged the loopholes in the system with the help of technology. The loot of public money has been stopped and 85 percent of the lost money has been made available and transferred directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. PM said that now Rs. 5,80000 crores has transferred directly into people's accounts over the past four and a half years.PM narrated how 7 crore fake names have been struck off the list of beneficiaries, which is almost equal to the population of Britain, France and, Italy.

PM said these are some of the glimpses of changes ushered in by his Government which reflect the New Confidence of a New India.

PM said the diaspora is equally important in our resolve for a New India. He added that their safety is also our concern and cited how the Government took upon the challenge of evacuating more than 2 lakh Indians stranded in conflict zones.

Speaking about the welfare of Indians overseas, Mr. Modi said passport and visa rules have been simplified and e visa had made it much easier for them to travel. All Pravasi Bharatiya are now being linked to Passport Sewa and efforts are in to issue chip based E passport.

PM said that a Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana is being taken up. He urged overseas Indian to invite 5 non-Indian families to visit India. PM also requested them to spread the values of Gandhi ji and Guru Nanak Dev ji and become a part of their anniversary celebrations. He said that we feel proud that global community joined us in compilation of Bapu’s favourite bhajan, Vaishnava Jan.

PM complimented the role of the residents of Kashi in making PBD successful with their warmth and hospitality. PM said that ahead of upcoming School Board examinations, he will interact with the parents and students through NAMO App in Parikshape Charcha - at 11am on 29th January, 2019.

Chief Guest of PBD -2019, Mauritius PM, Pravind Jugnauth invoked the memories of Indian diaspora and their connect with the land of their forefathers. Speaking in Hindi and English, he said such gatherings reinforce the identity of overseas Indians as the members of one family with shared history and culture. He said, if India is unique, Indianness is universal. The Mauritian PM told that an educated and self-reliant diaspora can play a major role in nation building and the Diaspora connect can help multilateralism.

He enthralled the crowd with his Bhojpuri dialect and announced that Mauritius will organise the first International Bhojpuri festival.

In her welcome address, External Affairs Minister said India today feels proud under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi. She thanked Indian diaspora for their linkages with the motherland. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath said PBD and Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh are a reflection of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Prime Minister Modi felicitated the winners of Bharat ko Janiye quiz competition. This is a quiz competition on India meant for the young Indian diaspora.

Closing ceremony of PBD will be held tomorrow on January 23, 2019 where President Ram Nath Kovind will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman to select overseas Indians for their contributions.

After the Convention, on 24th January, the visiting diaspora delegates will visit Prayagraj for Kumbh Mela. They will then proceed to Delhi on 25th January and witness the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath, New Delhi.

15-Sep-2018: 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas from 21-23 January, 2019 at Varanasi

The website for the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 was jointly inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath on 15 September 2018, which launched the commencement of online registration for participation in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2019. Government of Uttar Pradesh is the Partner State for the Convention.

In reverence to the sentiments of the larger diaspora community to participate in Kumbh Mela and Republic Day celebrations, the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organized from 21 to 23 January 2019 instead of 9th January. The Convention will be held at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. After the Convention, participants would be given the opportunity to visit Prayagraj for Kumbh Mela on 24th January, 2019 and witness the Republic Day Parade at New Delhi on 26th January 2019.

On 21st January, 2019, the inauguration of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in partnership with Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports. Government of Uttar Pradesh will also organize the State PBD - 2019 on 21st January, 2019. On 22nd January, 2019, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. On 23rd January, 2019, the Valedictory Address will be delivered and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards will be conferred by Hon’ble President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind.

On the invitation of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius, will be the Chief Guest of the Convention. Mr. Himanshu Gulati, Member of Parliament of Norway, will be the Special Guest and Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Member of Parliament of New Zealand will be the Guest of Honor at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on 21st January, 2019.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is the flagship event of the Government and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Diaspora. The theme of PBD 2019 is "Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India.”

3-Jan-2017: Bengaluru to host 14th Edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The 14th PBD Convention to be held from 7 to 9 January, 2017 in Bengaluru in partnership with Karnataka on theme "Redefining Engagement with the Indian Diaspora.”

Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will also be inaugurated as a part of the PBD 2017 with an aim to connect with the youth, the new generation of Pravasis all over the world.

Highlight of the PBD 2017 is social innovations by Indians. Twenty social innovations will be highlighted. There will also be a contest of innovators and the winner will get an award of ₹1 lakh.

All sessions of the mega event will be in plenary format and will be interactive, which will allow delegates from overseas to convey their suggestions to the government directly.

The sessions will focus on immigration and the role of diaspora organisations. The idea behind the new format was to make the celebration more responsive to the problems faced by the Indian diaspora abroad. The highpoint of the event would be the award for the Pravasi achievers (Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards) that will be conferred by President Pranab Mukherjee on January 9.

The current format of the PBD 2017, which was first announced by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during the annual conference of 2016, generated interest as reports had indicated participation by delegates who trace their origin to Pak-occupied Kashmir.