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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also popularly known as the NRI Day, is a popular biennial event that is held on 9 January. On this day, people across India pay their respects and tribute to the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa. He is the greatest Pravasis of all time who dedicated his life to liberating India from imperial power. Additionally, the day also highlights the contribution of the Overseas Indian community in fostering and promoting the development of India.
| Event Name | Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal |
| Observed on | 9 January |
| Type of event | Observed once in every two years |
| Objective | The date is specifically chosen to pay tribute to the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa. |
| 2023 Theme | Observed once every two years |
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History of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Table of Contents
Here are a few key points about the history of this important day:
- The NRI Day or the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was first observed in the year 2003.
- It was declared a biennial event in 2015 and has been celebrated since then in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
- So far, India has celebrated a total of 16 PBDs with the year 2023 marking the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on 9 January.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Celebrations
- On this day, numerous theme-based PBD Conferences are held with active participation from overseas diaspora experts, prominent stakeholders, and policymakers.
- Such celebrations or conventions provide the right platform for the overseas Indian community to engage with the government to plan and execute mutually beneficial activities.
- Apart from this, people on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas also find numerous opportunities to connect with the overseas Indian community who are residing in different parts of the world.
- Moreover, people of exceptional merit are appreciated and honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. The Indian Community Association in Egypt (ICAE) was also awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2019 for Community Service. It happened at the 15th PBD Convention held at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
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What is the Theme of NRI Day 2025?
The official theme of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or the NRI Day 2025 has not been declared by the official sources yet. However, the previous year’s theme of 2023, as specified by the Ministry of External Affairs, is Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal. As it suggests, the theme prioritizes the importance of the Indian diaspora in the overall development and growth of the country. Here are the previous years’ themes:
| Year | Theme |
| 2025 | Tentative |
| 2021 | Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat |
| 2019 | Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India |
| 2017 | Redefining Engagement with the Indian Diaspora |
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What is the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award?
The Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award is the highest honor bestowed on:
- An NRI
- Person of Indian Origin
- An organization/institution established and run by Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin.
In simple words, it appreciates and pays respect to their significant contributions in supporting the growth and development of the country. Moreover, it also acknowledges their efforts to support the cause and concerns of India and the welfare of the local Indian community.
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2024: Wishes, Messages, and Quotes
- “Even in darkness, there is light and that is spiritually illuminated India.” Shubhangi Gopal Kamble.
- “Non-resident Indians (NRI) are natural and bright rays of spiritually enlightened India to illuminate the rest of the world.” Shubhangi Gopal Kamble.
- “We have so much to give to the world. What is needed is the confidence in ourselves.” Narendra Modi.
- “I know the problems you faced. That is why visa-on-arrival facilities are being made available for several nations.” Narendra Modi.
- “Be patriotic every day not just a day.” Shubhangi Gopal Kamble.
- “The Indian community is admired all around the world. It is not due to the money but the values the Indian community is living with” Narendra Modi.
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas brings together all the NRIs and creates an environment of love and patriotism. Happy Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024.
- 9th January 2024 special day is a day that brings together all the NRIs and creates a space of love and patriotism. Happy Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2024.
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| World Braille Day | International Mind Body Wellness Day |
| World Introvert Day | Veer Bal Diwas |
| National Consumer Rights Day | National Mathematics Day |
FAQS
9 January has been chosen as the official date for the NRI Day or the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. On this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award has been awarded to numerous influential people such as Dr. Kannan Ambalam, Mr. Joginder Singh Nijjar, and Prof. Jagadish Chennupati. Science & Technology/Education, Prof. Ramjee Prasad, and so on.
The 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
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