The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a grand celebration commemorating the Indian government's engagement with the overseas Indian community. The main goal of this event is to reintroduce the Non-Resident Indian community to its roots. It is celebrated every two years in January. This article will explain to you about Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which will be helpful in preparing for the International Relations in UPSC Civil Services Examination.

What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

• India celebrates Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9 to recognise the contribution of the overseas Indian community to India's development.
• The day commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's arrival in Mumbai from South Africa on January 9, 1915.
• The Government also bestows the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award on this day.
• It is the highest honour bestowed upon a Non-Resident Indian, a Person of Indian Origin; or an organisation or institution founded and run by Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin, who have made significant contributions to a better understanding of India abroad, and who have demonstrated tangible support for India's causes and concerns.
• During the PBD convention, the President of India bestows the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on deserving members of the Indian diaspora.
• Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Curacao Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath, and New Zealand minister Priyanka Radhakrishnan are among the 30 winners of the 2021 Award.

Background

• The 9th of January was chosen to commemorate PBD because it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, India's greatest Pravasi, returned from South Africa, led India's freedom struggle, and forever changed the lives of Indians.
• This day was established in 2003, but it was revised in 2015 and decided to be observed every two years.
• During the interim, it was then a theme-based conference that was held every year.
• Every two years, the PBD Convention is held.
• The 16th PBD Convention was held virtually in New Delhi in the year 2021. "Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat" was the theme.

Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

• This day is significant because it provides a common platform for the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and the local people.
• The conventions are extremely beneficial in facilitating networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world, as well as allowing them to share their experiences in various fields.

Bharat ko Janiye Quiz

• The Bharat ko Janiye Quiz was created in 2015-16 to increase engagement with young Indians living abroad and inspire them to learn more about their homeland.
• In 2015-16, the first edition of the online "Bharat ko Janiye" Quiz was held for young overseas Indians and foreigners aged 18 to 35.
• In 2018-19, the second edition of Bharat ko Janiye Quiz was held. The third edition of the Bharat ko Janiye Quiz 2020-21 took place virtually from September 30 to December 28, 2020.
• During the PBD convention, fifteen winners of the Bharat ko Janiye Quiz will be announced, and they will be invited on an India Tour (Bharat ko Janiye Darshan) after Covid.

Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD)

• The External Affairs Ministry has been holding Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conferences (RPBD) to reach out to the great majority of our diaspora who, for different reasons, are unable to attend and benefit from the main biennial event in India.
• This is in response to a large and consistent demand for such events to be held in the region.
• These have received tremendous support from the Indian diaspora as well as local governments, and have proven to be quite effective.
• The Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conferences was held in Singapore in January 2018.

Conclusion

On many fronts, India continues to actively engage the Indian Diaspora with schemes and policies that encourage more investments in India, increased bilateral trade, cultural exchanges, and better working conditions for NRIs in the Gulf State. This effort continues to be extremely beneficial to India's development. Similar outreach and exchanges, on the other hand, are not visible in other countries and regions where investments in India are not readily available.

FAQs

MCQs

1. When is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated?

A) August 15
B) January 26
C) January 9
D) December 10

2. Who organizes the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

A) Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
B) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
C) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
D) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

3. What is the main objective of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

A) To celebrate Indian independence
B) To recognize the contributions of the Indian diaspora
C) To promote tourism in India
D) To enhance military cooperation with other countries

4. What year was the first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated?

A) 2000
B) 2003
C) 2005
D) 2008

5. Which historical event is commemorated on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

A) Mahatma Gandhi’s first visit to South Africa
B) Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa
C) India’s independence from British rule
D) First flight by an Indian from India

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in strengthening India's relationship with its diaspora. How does it impact India's foreign policy?

Answer: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) plays a vital role in strengthening the relationship between India and its global diaspora. The event helps recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Indian community abroad, which is crucial for enhancing India's soft power. It also serves as a platform for engaging the diaspora in India's socio-economic growth through investments, skill transfer, and promoting Indian culture. PBD's significance lies in its role in fostering closer ties with countries where the Indian community is significant, further integrating the diaspora into India’s strategic foreign policy framework. As the world becomes more interconnected, the diaspora’s contribution to trade, technology, and diplomacy has become indispensable to India’s global ambitions.

Q2: Discuss the role of the Indian diaspora in shaping India's international relations. How does Pravasi Bharatiya Divas contribute to this process?

Answer: The Indian diaspora plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s international relations, particularly in fostering bilateral ties with countries in the Middle East, North America, and Europe. With over 30 million people of Indian origin worldwide, the diaspora serves as a bridge for cultural, economic, and political interactions. They contribute significantly to India's foreign policy by promoting trade, investments, tourism, and technology exchange. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas offers a formal platform for the Indian government to engage the diaspora, strengthen economic ties, and encourage their active involvement in India's progress. It provides an opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration in various fields, enhancing India's position in global affairs.

Q3: How can India further enhance the role of its diaspora in contributing to the nation’s development and foreign policy?

Answer: To further enhance the role of its diaspora, India must create more inclusive policies that incentivize investments, skill development, and engagement with the global Indian community. Establishing more diaspora-focused initiatives such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and leveraging digital platforms for networking and knowledge sharing can empower the diaspora to contribute to nation-building. Additionally, India could focus on the facilitation of ease of business, tax incentives, and special economic zones for Indian diaspora entrepreneurs. Strengthening diplomatic ties and involving the diaspora in decision-making processes would also enhance India's foreign policy outreach and influence globally.

Previous Year Questions on International Relations

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following is an important contribution of the Indian diaspora to India's economy?

A) Transfer of technology
B) Military support
C) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
D) Bilateral security cooperation

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Indian diaspora has played a significant role in boosting India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), contributing to India’s economic growth and industrial development.

2. UPSC CSE Prelims 2017:

Question: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is organized to recognize the contributions of which of the following?

A) Indian military forces
B) Indian businesses abroad
C) Indian diaspora
D) Indian diplomats

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas recognizes the contributions of the Indian diaspora in promoting India’s global stature through economic, cultural, and diplomatic efforts.