Last Updated:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 theme is, ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with his wife Kyoko Jaishankar at the Konark Sun Temple, in Puri district, Odisha, on Tuesday. (Image: PTI)
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: India observes Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) once every two years. The occasion is aimed to recognise and honour the contributions of Indians living overseas. Also known as NRI Day, the celebration focuses on strengthening the bond between the Indian diaspora settled abroad and the Government of India. The day also serves as a way of reconnecting NRIs aka Non-Resident Indians with their cultural roots. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas acknowledges the achievements of NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Date
This year, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be held between January 8 to January 10 in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 Theme
Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat is the theme of the 18th PBD Convention.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: History
It all started when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. His return marked a turning point in the nation’s history as Gandhi played a significant role in India’s freedom movement. He inspired many to join the struggle for independence.
To honour this historic event, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated for the first time on January 9, 2003. It highlighted the role of Pravasi Bharatiyas, like Mahatma Gandhi himself, in India’s development.
Since 2015, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas underwent a revised format. Now, the event is organised biennially.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Significance
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrates the social, economic and cultural contributions of Indian expatriates to India’s foreign exchange reserves through remittances and investments. It fosters good relations between India and foreign lands.
Indians have become a major force in foreign soil. Some of them are leading figures in the world of business, technology and education. It has encouraged others to follow suit and contribute to India’s growth and development in diverse fields.
The event paves the way for overseas Indians to actively participate in the nation’s economic growth through innovation, infrastructure development and trade.
Finally, Indian expatriates are like a bridge that connects India with other countries. They act as ambassadors, making people across the globe aware of Indian culture and traditions.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: Quotes
- 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
- The Indian diaspora is a source of inspiration for India. They show that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up — APJ Abdul Kalam
- Our NRIs are our global ambassadors, spreading the ethos of India across borders and making us proud.”- Sushma Swaraj.
- Location :
Bhubaneswar, India
