Every year, from January 7 to January 9, a particular Indian city hosts Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which includes a conference and awards ceremony. More information on this day, its background, and its significance has been provided here.
On January 9th every two years, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day is celebrated to remember the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to Mumbai, India. The non-resident Indian community's contribution to India's progress is also commemorated on this day. The Republic of India commemorated NRI Day for the first time in 2003.
The purpose of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is to recognise the contribution of the Indian population living abroad to the advancement of India. The NRI Day is sponsored by a number of Indian government organizations, including the Ministry of External Affairs, FICCI, the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, and the Confederation of Indian Industries.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, said that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 will take place in Indore after a two-year hiatus. Here, we've provided a succinct rundown of the day.
History of NRI Day
It was in 2000 when the Indian government decided to recognize the NRI community on January 9th by observing Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Mahatma Gandhi returned to India on January 9, 1915, from South Africa, which gives the ninth of January its significance as NRI Day.
Despite being formally established in 2000, this day wasn't actually observed until 2003. More information about the background of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is provided here:
• The idea for NRI Day originated with Indian lawyer, diplomat, and author L.M. Singhvi.
• Subsequently, on 9th January 2002, the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee officially announced the day.
• On Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9, 2006, the idea of an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) was launched.
Significance of NRI day
The celebration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas honors the contribution of the Indian community living abroad to the advancement of India. To honor this day, a PBD convention is planned. The event will also have a theme. Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat was the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas theme from the previous year.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is also given out by the government on this day. It is the highest honor given to a non-resident Indian, a person of Indian descent, or an organization or institution founded and run by non-resident Indians or people of Indian descent who have significantly contributed to improving understanding of India abroad, supporting India's causes and concerns in a tangible way, community work abroad, the welfare of the local Indian community, philanthropic and charitable work, etc.
Why Celebrating NRI Day?
The NRI Day is an annual event celebrating the achievements of Overseas Indian Renaissance Initiatives (OIRIs). The day is celebrated to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Overseas Indian people who have made a significant impact on America and its culture.
What are the Benefits of NRI DayWhat are the Benefits of NRI Day.
Some of the benefits of celebrating NRI Day include:
• Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Overseas Indian people who have made a significant impact on America and its culture.
• Making it easier for individuals and organizations to learn about, understand, and appreciate the unique cultural experiences available to those from India and other parts of Asia.
• Increasing awareness around issues related to diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion in American society.
• Providing opportunities for individuals and organizations to connect with and learn from others who share similar experiences living in America.
• Building support systems for members of the Indian American community who are seeking a better life in America.
