ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ಭಾರತೀಯ ದಿವಸ

January 9: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated every year on January 9 to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India.

This year’s PBD celebrated ASEAN-Indian partnership and was themed Ancient Route, New Journey: Diaspora in the Dynamic ASEAN INDIA Partnership.  This year marks 25 years of ASEAN-Indian Partnership which is based on centuries-old cultural, religious and human links, forged on an ancient route of commerce.

The PBD was held in Singapore on 6 and 7th January 2017– which is considered as India’s gateway to the East and also is the heart of ASEAN. The event aimed at generating outcomes that deepen diaspora’s relations with India and play a key role in promoting closer ties between India and ASEAN.
Background

The day celebrated every year since 2003. It was chosen to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. This event marks the importance of arrival of India’s greatest Pravasi who led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. Observance of the day provides platform to overseas Indian community to engage with government and people of land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities.