Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Celebrated Globally
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, or Overseas Indian Day, is celebrated on January 9 every year to honor the Indian diaspora, or people of Indian origin living outside India, for their contributions to India's development.
The main event was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in 2025 with the theme 'The Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event.
The day is also significant because it marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915, which was a big step in India's freedom struggle.
Many important guests, including the President of Trinidad and Tobago, attended the event.
Indian missions across the globe also organized events to celebrate the day, promoting Indian entrepreneurship and cultural programs.
The Indian diaspora is the largest in the world, with over 35 million NRIs and people of Indian origin living abroad, contributing significantly to India's economy through remittances.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated annually on January 9 to honor the Indian diaspora's contributions.
The 18th PBD Convention was held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in 2025 with the theme 'The Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the convention on January 9, 2025.
The day marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915, a pivotal moment in India's freedom struggle.
Indian missions across the globe organized events to celebrate the day, promoting Indian entrepreneurship and cultural programs.
- Who
- Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar
- What
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrations
- When
- January 9, 2025
- Where
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha (Main Event), and Indian missions abroad
- Why
- To honor the contributions of the Indian diaspora and strengthen their engagement with India
Government Perspective
Diaspora Perspective
Significance of the Day
Government Perspective
The government views PBD as a platform to honor the diaspora's contributions and strengthen their engagement with India.
Diaspora Perspective
The diaspora sees PBD as an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Role of the Diaspora
Government Perspective
The government acknowledges the diaspora's role in India's development and global footprint.
Diaspora Perspective
The diaspora values their contributions to India's progress and sees themselves as a bridge between India and the world.
- Date
- January 9, 2025
- Location
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha (Main Event)
- Theme
- The Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat
- Inaugurated by
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Significance
- Honors contributions of the Indian diaspora
- Historical Connection
- Mahatma Gandhi's return to India in 1915
- Diaspora Population
- 35 million NRIs and people of Indian origin
- Remittances
- USD 130 billion annually, over 3% of India's GDP
