Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is organised from 7th to 9th January every year to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India's freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
PBD conventions are being held every year since 2003. These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities. These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.
During the event, individuals of exceptional merit are honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to appreciate their role in India's growth. The event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora. In 2015, the 13th PBD will be organised by the new government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat at Mahatma Mandir from January 7th to 9th. PBD 2015 will mark the centenary year celebrations of the return of the greatest 'Pravasi' of all, Mahatma Gandhi, from South Africa.
So far, 12 PBDs have been held in various places of India as follows:
Year
Dates
Venue
2013
7-9 January, 2013
Kochi
2012
7-9 January, 2012
Jaipur
2011
7-9 January, 2011
New Delhi
2009
7-9 January, 2009
Chennai
2008
7-9 January, 2008
New Delhi
2007
7-9 January, 2007
New Delhi
2006
7-9 January, 2006
Hyderabad
2005
7-9 January, 2005
Mumbai
2004
9-11 January, 2004
New Delhi
2003
9-11 January, 2003
New Delhi
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) is dedicated to the multitude of Indian nationals settled abroad. Driven by a mission of development through coalitions in a world without borders, MOIA seeks to connect the Indian Diaspora community with its motherland. It provides information, partnerships and facilitations for all matters related to Overseas Indians (comprising Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). It has four functional service divisions to handle its diverse scope of services: Diaspora Services, Financial Services, Emigration Services and Management Services
The Ministry focuses on developing networks with and amongst Overseas Indians with the intent of building partnerships with the Diaspora. Besides dealing with all matters relating to Overseas Indians, the Ministry is engaged in several initiatives with them for the promotion of trade and investment, emigration, education, culture, health and science & technology.
