The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention assumes importance because it brings members of the Indian diaspora, policymakers and business leaders under one umbrella.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention 2023 on Monday. Over 3,500 representatives from 70 countries are participating in the event. President Droupadi Murmu will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2023. The annual event was held last year virtually due to the pandemic.
The 17th PBD is being celebrated under the theme ‘Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal’.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) or NRI Day is marked to acknowledge and honour the contributions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to the development and progress of India. It is an occasion to recognise the role of NRIs in boosting ties with India and the Indian community living overseas.
The convention offers a platform for overseas Indians to interact and discuss important issues with each other.
January 9 is the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915. The day commemorates his role in the independence of India.
Celebrated first in 2003, the NRI Day is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other stakeholders. Seminars, panel discussions, cultural functions, and a series of other programmes are held during the convention.
Why is PBD convention important?
The convention assumes importance because it brings members of the Indian diaspora, policymakers and business leaders under one umbrella. It is an ideal platform where the NRIs can share their experiences and insights with the Indian community and the government. During the event, the government showcases its projects and investments. It helps the stakeholders and the government to woo the Indian diaspora towards investments.
Apart from investments, the PBD serves as a catalyst in promoting the export of Indian goods and products. The convention goes a long way in creating jobs and business opportunities. Entrepreneurs look at various ways to spread their wings in India. It is a great opportunity to transfer knowledge, innovation and technology between India and the Indian diaspora, which also includes Persons of Indian Origin (PIO).
