Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, often referred to as NRI (Non Resident Indian) Day, is a celebration that takes place every two years. A particular Indian city hosts the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
The NRI Day is sponsored by a number of Indian government organisations, including the Confederation of Indian Industries, FICCI, the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, and the Ministry of External Affairs.
The celebration also includes a forum and an award ceremony. More details about this day, its date, theme, history, and significance are provided here.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day 2023 Date and Significance
Every two years, January 9 is observed as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day to commemorate the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi returned to Mumbai, India, from South Africa. Mahatma Gandhi himself completed the treacherous journey from South Africa back to India to participate in the struggle for Indian independence.
Pravasi Divas eventually developed to honour the contribution made by the Indian diaspora to the advancement of India.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is significant because it draws attention to the efforts made by the Indian diaspora to maintain ties to their homeland. NRI Day was first observed in the Republic of India in 2003, while formally established in 2000.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day) History
It was in the year 2000 when the Indian government decided to recognise the NRI community on January 9th by observing Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Mahatma Gandhi returned to India on January 9, 1915, from South Africa, which gives the ninth of January its significance as NRI Day.
More information about the history of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is provided here:
- L.M. Singhvi, an Indian author, lawyer, and diplomat, came up with the idea for NRI Day.
- The day was then officially declared on January 9, 2002, by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the country’s then-prime minister.
- The idea of an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) was launched on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 9, 2006.
Theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day) 2023
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 will be “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal.” This theme emphasises the importance of the Indian diaspora in the development of India. Every two years, the Government of India sets a new theme for NRI Day.
The forum for the Indian diaspora is likewise centred on the theme, and NRI Day events are held around it.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day) 2023 Latest News Updates
Over 3,500 People of Indian Origin (PIO) from about 70 different countries have already registered to attend the prestigious event.
There will be a large contingent of foreigners from nations including the UAE, Mauritius, Qatar, Oman, the USA, the UK, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Malaysia. Delegations from Malaysia, Panama, and Mauritius at the ministerial level will also be present.
Irfaan Ali, the president of Guyana, and Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the president of Suriname, will be the chief guest and special guest of honour at India’s premier diaspora event, which will be officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, 2023.
