Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India extended greetings to the global Indian community on the occasion of the 18^th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.

Aim – To recognise and honour the contribution of the Indian diaspora to India’s development and to strengthen their engagement with the motherland.
Organized by -Ministry of External Affairs.
Commemoration – Observed on 9 January, marking the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915.
Historical Milestone – Celebration started in 2003.
Symbolises the historic and emotional bond between India and its overseas community.
Event Frequency – Initially held annually. Since 2015, organised once every 2 years.
Key Highlights, 2026 – As the event follows a biennial format, no large-scale convention was held this year.
18 Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas have been held so far.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (2025) was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”
The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention is expected in 2027.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) – Highest honour for Non-Resident Indians, Person of Indian Origins, or organisations run by them.
Recognises contributions in -
- Enhancing India’s image abroad
- Supporting India’s causes
- Welfare of Indian communities overseas
Awarded by - The Hon’ble President of India.

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