Every year on 9th January, India observes Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. This day recognises the invaluable contribution of the Indian diaspora to the nation’s growth, global influence, and cultural outreach. This day is not merely ceremonial. Instead, it symbolises India’s deep and evolving relationship with millions of Indians living and working across the world.
“The call of the moment is do or die. The Indians abroad are not merely sojourners; they are ambassadors of India’s honour and dignity.” – Mahatma Gandhi
For aspirants preparing for UPSC, APSC, and other civil services examinations, this day holds immense relevance. It connects themes of Indian society, international relations, migration, soft power, and economic diplomacy. Therefore, understanding this day in depth helps students develop conceptual clarity as well as analytical depth.
This article explores the history, objectives, importance, and contemporary relevance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas while linking it directly to exam preparation and nation-building.
Why is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Celebrated on 9th January?
India celebrates Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on 9th January to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915. This historic return marked a turning point in India’s freedom struggle.
Importantly, Mahatma Gandhi was not just a freedom fighter. Rather, he was also one of the earliest and most influential members of the Indian diaspora. His experiences abroad shaped his political philosophy and strengthened India’s global moral voice. Therefore, the date symbolically connects the diaspora’s global experiences with India’s national journey.
As a result, 9th January serves as a reminder that Indians abroad have consistently contributed ideas, capital, skills, and leadership to the country.
Historical Background of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
The Government of India first celebrated Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in 2003. The initiative aimed to create a structured platform where overseas Indians could connect with India’s development agenda.
Since its inception, the event has evolved significantly. Initially, it was organised annually. However, later reforms ensured that the main convention takes place once every two years, while theme-based or regional events are held in between. This approach improved policy focus and strengthened engagement outcomes.
Over time, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has transformed into a global dialogue forum, where economic cooperation, technology transfer, and cultural diplomacy take centre stage.
Who Are Pravasi Bharatiyas?
Pravasi Bharatiyas broadly include:
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): Indian citizens residing abroad.
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs): Foreign citizens with Indian ancestry.
Together, they form one of the largest diaspora communities in the world. As of 2025, there are around 35.42 million overseas Indians spread across the United States, Gulf countries, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
Notably, India’s diaspora plays a decisive role in shaping international perceptions of the country. Through entrepreneurship, academia, healthcare, technology, and public service, they actively project India’s strengths globally.
Objectives of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas serves multiple strategic objectives.
- First, it aims to strengthen emotional and cultural bonds between India and its diaspora. Cultural identity remains a powerful unifying force, and the event celebrates shared heritage.
- Second, it seeks to facilitate economic engagement. Overseas Indians contribute significantly through foreign direct investment, remittances, and startup collaborations and thus contributing towards Viksit Bharat.
- Third, the event encourages knowledge and skill transfer. Indian professionals abroad bring global best practices in governance, technology, healthcare, and education.
- Finally, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas enables the government to address diaspora concerns related to welfare, migration policies, and consular services.
Because of these objectives, the event aligns closely with India’s long-term development vision.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and India’s Soft Power:
Soft power refers to a nation’s ability to influence others through culture, values, and ideas rather than force. In this context, the Indian diaspora acts as India’s most effective soft power asset.
Through Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, India showcases its democratic values, pluralism, and civilisational depth. Diaspora communities promote Indian culture through yoga, Ayurveda, cuisine, cinema, and festivals. Consequently, India’s global image strengthens organically.
Moreover, influential members of the diaspora often shape public opinion and policy debates in their host countries. This influence enhances India’s diplomatic leverage in international forums.
Economic Importance of the Indian Diaspora:
India consistently ranks among the top recipients of global remittances. In 2025 (FY25), India’s remittances hit a record high reaching approximately $135.46 billion. It was a significant rise of 14% from FY24. This increase was driven by strong inflows from high-income economies like the US, UK, and Canada, strengthening the Indian economy and covering a substantial portion of its trade deficit. Moreover, these remittances support millions of households, stabilise foreign exchange reserves, and strengthen the economy.
In addition, diaspora-led investments fuel India’s startup ecosystem. Many successful entrepreneurs of Indian origin actively mentor and invest in Indian ventures. As a result, innovation ecosystems in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurugram benefit immensely.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas provides a platform to channel this economic potential into structured partnerships, ensuring long-term growth.
Role of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Governance and Policy:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is not limited to speeches and cultural programmes. Instead, it actively informs policymaking. During these conventions, the government consults diaspora leaders on:
- Migration and labour mobility
- Overseas worker welfare
- Dual citizenship and OCI policies
- Education and skill development
- Investment facilitation mechanisms
Such consultations help align domestic policies with global realities. Consequently, India’s governance framework becomes more inclusive and globally responsive.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award:
One of the highlights of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, India’s highest honour for overseas Indians.
The award recognises individuals who have:
- Enhanced India’s prestige abroad
- Contributed to social and humanitarian causes
- Strengthened India’s global engagement
- Excelled in professional or academic fields
By celebrating these achievements, India reinforces the idea that national service transcends geographical boundaries.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and Youth Aspirations:
India’s youth increasingly seek global exposure while remaining rooted in national identity. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas inspires young Indians to view the diaspora not as a brain drain, but as a brain network.
The event highlights how global exposure can ultimately contribute to national progress. This perspective encourages ethical leadership, global thinking, and responsible citizenship.
Roles of Pravasi Bharatiyas towards Viksit Bharat:
- Firstly, economic contributors: They strengthen India’s economy through remittances, FDI, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
- Secondly, knowledge and technology bridges: They enable technology transfer, research collaboration, and innovation, especially in high-tech sectors.
- Thirdly, soft power ambassadors: They promote Indian culture, values, yoga, and traditions, enhancing India’s global image.
- Moreover, diplomatic influencers: They support India’s interests abroad through policy advocacy, lobbying, and people-to-people ties.
- In addition, partners in social development: They contribute to education, healthcare, skill development, and philanthropy in India.
- Furthermore, global market connectors: They help Indian businesses access global supply chains, markets, and best practices.
- Finally, nation-building stakeholders: Their global exposure and investments support India’s goal of becoming a developed and globally influential nation by 2047.
Conclusion:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is far more than a symbolic celebration. It represents India’s recognition of its global citizens as partners in progress. The day reinforces the idea that India’s growth story is incomplete without the contributions of its diaspora.
As India moves towards becoming a leading global power, engagement with overseas Indians will only deepen. Therefore, understanding the significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is essential, not just for examinations, but for appreciating India’s evolving place in the world.
For aspirants, educators, and institutions alike, 9th January serves as a reminder that nation-building today extends beyond borders, driven by shared values, collective aspirations, and global collaboration.
