The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrated once in two years on 9th January is a significant event that honors the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention was first established in 2003 as a platform to recognize and engage with the overseas Indian community. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs. It is held in different cities, to showcase the diversity and progress of different regions of India. Since 2015, it has evolved into a biennial event, with theme-based conferences held in the intervening years. This format allows for more focused discussions on specific areas of interest and provides opportunities for networking among the global Indian diaspora. History & Significance This bi-annual celebration, held on January 9th, commemorates the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa to lead the country's freedom struggle. Objectives and Impact The primary goals of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas are: To commemorate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India's development To create a better understanding of India abroad To support India's causes and work for the welfare of local Indian communities worldwide To provide a platform for overseas Indians to engage with the government and people of their ancestral land. These conventions have proven instrumental in fostering connections between India and its vast overseas community, enabling the sharing of experiences, knowledge, and skills across various fields. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas - 2025 The 18th PBD Convention was held during January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The theme for the edition is the “Diaspora's contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). A highlight of the PBD is the presentation of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA). This prestigious honor is conferred upon Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin, or organizations established and run by them. The PBSA recognizes outstanding achievements in various fields and celebrates the accomplishments and commitments of NRIs and PIOs in sectors like education, science and innovation, trade and industry, arts and culture, social work, public service and philanthropy. Source : Pravasi Bharatiya Divas