Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Recognising Diaspora's Contribution to Viksit Bharat
Ritesh Kumar
The diaspora of any country serves as a living bridge, connecting their homeland with the wider world. They bring home global ideas, investments, and expertise while sharing their culture, values, and innovations abroad. For a country like India, with its vast and vibrant diaspora spread across continents, this connection holds immense significance. Indian communities overseas not only contribute to their host countries but also strengthen India's global presence through remittances, cultural exchange, and advocacy. Their achievements in diverse fields- from technology to governance - enhance India's image as a nation of talent and resilience. Moreover, as stewards of India's heritage, they keep traditions alive, fostering a sense of shared identity while actively supporting India's development journey and global aspirations.
Recognising the immense contributions of the Indian diaspora to the nation's progress and its standing in the world, Government of India celebrates Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) biennially on January 9. The date holds profound historical importance, as it marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915. Mahatma Gandhi exemplifies the transformative power of overseas Indians in shaping their homeland's destiny.
Initiated in 2003 under the visionary leadership of the late Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PBD has evolved into a vital platform for meaningful engagement between the diaspora and their ancestral land. Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, the main PBD event is held biannually across different Indian cities.
Since 2015, PBD has adopted a focused approach, alternating between grand conventions and theme- based conferences. This format fosters deeper discussions and collaborations, ensuring that the diaspora's potential is effectively harnessed to drive India's development and strengthen its global footprint. Through PBD, India celebrates not only its diaspora's achievements but also the shared vision of a brighter future built on this enduring partnership.
18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas - 2025
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, 2025, centred on the theme, "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat," marking it as both a celebration and a call to action for India's global diaspora.
Inaugurating the event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered a speech that resonated with the dual emphasis on India's cultural heritage and its aspirations for global leadership. His address not only acknowledged the diaspora's role as cultural and economic ambassadors but also articulated a broader vision of how their contributions underpin India's rise on the world stage.
The Prime Minister's characterisation of the diaspora as "India's ambassadors" highlights their unique position in advancing both India's soft power and hard power. By engaging in democracy promotion, social harmony, and economic contributions, the diaspora acts as a bridge between India and the wider world. PM Modi's remarks celebrate their achievements in fields as diverse as technology, education, arts, and sciences, portraying them as integral to India's progress.
This recognition underscores the strategic role of the diaspora in nation-building.
The diaspora's "seamless integration into adopted societies" reflects India's long history of migration, adaptability, and contribution. It reinforces the notion that Indian communities abroad are not just economic contributors but also cultural custodians who enrich their host nations. The diaspora's ability to embrace local traditions while maintaining their Indian identity exemplifies a balanced approach to global citizenship and a harmonious balance of coexistence and adaptability. This duality not only mirrors India's ethos of "unity in diversity" but also embodies the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"- the belief that the world is one family.
Likewise, the assertion that "India is not just the mother of democracy but one where democracy is an intrinsic part of life" is particularly significant. By linking India's democratic tradition to the diaspora's adaptability, the Prime Minister positioned democracy as both a shared value and a competitive advantage. This stance strengthens India's global narrative as a nation that not only exports talent but also champions democratic ideals- values that resonate deeply with host countries.
The Prime Minister's speech served as both an acknowledgment of past achievements and a roadmap for deeper engagement, ensuring that the diaspora continues to be a key pillar in shaping India's future on the global stage.
Empowering the Diaspora through Skill Development
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted India's commitment to upskilling its workforce to meet global demands, ensuring that the diaspora remains a leading source of skilled talent. This focus on upskilling the workforce underscores India's forward- thinking approach to addressing global talent demands. By aligning with international trends in skill development, India positions its diaspora as a pivotal resource in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education. This strategy also addresses the evolving requirements of countries hosting Indian talent, strengthening bilateral ties and India's global standing.
India's Commitment to Safe-guarding Its Diaspora
India has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting its diaspora during crises, reflecting the nation's proactive and compassionate foreign policy. Recent years have witnessed a series of significant evacuation operations and support initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety and well- being of Indian nationals abroad, even in the most challenging circumstances.
· Key Evacuation Operations
· Vande Bharat Mission (2020): Facilitating the return of millions of Indians stranded abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic. India established air bubble agreements to facilitate safe travel when international flights were suspended, underscoring its adaptability and commitment to citizen welfare in extraordinary situations.
· Operation Devi Shakti (August 2021)
· Launched to evacuate Indians stranded in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover, this mission brought home 669 individuals, including members of the Afghan Hindu and Sikh minorities.
· Operation Ganga (February 2022)
· As the Russia-Ukraine conflict intensified, India facilitated the evacuation of approximately 18,282 nationals, primarily students. The operation utilised 90 flights, including commercial and Indian Air Force aircraft, ensuring the safe return of citizens from conflict zones.
· Operation Kaveri (April 2023)
· Amid violence in Sudan, this operation successfully rescued 4,097 individuals, including 136 foreign nationals, showcasing India's dedication to inclusivity and humanitarian values.
· Operation Ajay (October 2024)
· In response to escalating conflict in Israel, India initiated Operation Ajay, evacuating 1,343 individuals, including Indian nationals and foreign citizens, via six special flights at the government's expense. The operation highlighted the Indian government's swift response to crises and its readiness to protect its diaspora.
Even beyond evacuation efforts, the Government of India has remained vigilant in its support for diaspora communities. For instance:
· In Israel, the Indian Embassy has maintained constant communication with the estimated 20,000-30,000 Indians residing there, issuing travel advisories and staying prepared for potential future evacuations.
· In Ukraine, continuous engagement through regular updates and advisories ensures the safety of Indian citizens amid an evolving conflict.
The Role of Indian Embassies and Consulates in Ensuring Diaspora Welfare
Indian embassies and consulates worldwide play a pivotal role in safeguarding the welfare of the Indian diaspora. Their efforts span multiple dimensions, from enhancing accessibility to delivering real- time assistance during crises.
1. Simplifying Consular Services
To ensure ease of access and strengthen ties with the diaspora, significant advancements have been made in consular services:
· The scope of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards has been expanded to include 6th and 7th- generation Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) from nations such as Suriname, Mauritius, and others, enabling deeper connections with their ancestral homeland.
· In the past two years, 14 new embassies and consulates have been established, improving accessibility for Indian communities, particularly in regions with growing diaspora populations.
2. Real- Time Crisis Response
Indian embassies have emerged as first responders during emergencies, ensuring timely and effective support:
· They provide dedicated helplines, financial assistance, and legal support systems to diaspora members in distress.
· These efforts are crucial during natural disasters, conflicts, or personal emergencies, reflecting the government's proactive and empathetic approach to crisis management.
3. Digital Outreach Initiatives
The integration of technology into consular services has enhanced efficiency and responsiveness:
· Platforms like the Madad Portal enable streamlined grievance redressal, allowing Indians abroad to report issues and receive swift resolutions. This digital interface ensures transparency, accountability, and prompt action in addressing diaspora concerns.
By combining traditional diplomatic channels with innovative digital solutions, Indian embassies and consulates have built a robust framework for diaspora welfare. These efforts not only strengthen the diaspora's trust in their homeland but also reinforce India's reputation as a nation deeply committed to the well- being of its global citizens.
A Compassionate Ethos
The government's actions are deeply rooted in the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The World is One Family), reflecting India's intrinsic value system of care and compassion. This ethos ensures that no Indian-regardless of their socio-economic or geographic circumstances- is left behind during a crisis. By safeguarding the diaspora's interests, India strengthens the emotional and cultural ties that bind its global family.
India's commitment to its diaspora also serves strategic purposes:
· Strengthening Trust: Diaspora communities are more likely to engage in bilateral trade, investments, and cultural diplomacy when assured of their homeland's unwavering support.
· Enhancing India's Soft Power: Visible and effective crisis interventions showcase India as a responsible global player, earning goodwill from both the diaspora and host countries.
By reaffirming its responsibility to the diaspora, India positions itself as a leader in diaspora diplomacy. Few nations demonstrate such a comprehensive and empathetic approach to engaging with their overseas communities. This proactive stance ensures that the diaspora remains not only connected but also committed to India's journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Celebrating the Girmitiya Legacy
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called for concerted efforts to document and celebrate the rich legacy of the Girmitiya diaspora and other overseas Indian communities, recognising their integral role in India's historical and cultural narrative. He proposed several initiatives, including the establishment of university chairs, the organisation of World Girmitiya Conferences, and the creation of comprehensive databases to trace the ancestral origins of these communities in India.
The Girmitiya countries-Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Réunion Island, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Caribbean-are places where Indian labourers settled after being transported under the Indian indenture system to work on plantations. The term "Girmitiya," popularised by Mahatma Gandhi, who referred to himself as the first Girmitiya, is derived from the Awadhi word "girmit" meaning "agreement." It symbolises the contracts signed by these labourers during their migration, encapsulating their struggles and resilience.
To honour the enduring legacy of this diaspora, the PM launched the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY). This offers a unique opportunity for elderly Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) from Girmitiya countries to reconnect with their ancestral homeland. This fully sponsored pilgrimage programme, aimed at individuals aged 45 to 65 from lower-income groups, provides access to India's sacred and cultural sites. By facilitating this journey, the PTDY strengthens the bonds between India and its diaspora while celebrating their shared heritage and contributions to global communities.
Through these initiatives, India underscores its commitment to preserving the history of the Girmitiya diaspora while fostering deeper connections with its global family, ensuring that their stories of resilience and cultural exchange continue to inspire future generations.
Special Highlights of 18th PBD
· Pravasi Bharatiya Express
· The launch of this tourist train was both symbolic and functional. By offering diaspora members a chance to explore India's cultural and spiritual landmarks, the initiative deepens their connection to their ancestral roots. It also aligns with India's broader efforts to promote heritage tourism, reinforcing the idea that India's treasures extend beyond its major cities to smaller towns and villages rich in history.
· Thematic Exhibitions
· The Legacy of Ramayana: This exhibition exemplified India's ability to merge tradition with modernity, appealing to both the diaspora's reverence for cultural heritage and their appreciation of contemporary artistic expressions.
· Diaspora Contributions to Technology: By highlighting innovations driven by overseas Indians, this exhibit celebrated the diaspora's pivotal role in advancing global technology and India's image as a hub of talent and creativity.
· Mandvi-Muscat Migration: Chronicling the migration from Gujarat to Oman, this exhibit provided a historical narrative of resilience and enterprise, offering insights into how Indian communities have navigated challenges and contributed to their host countries.
· Odisha's Rich Heritage: Showcasing Odisha's art, craft, and traditions, this exhibit served as a window into the state's cultural wealth, aligning with the PBD's location and reinforcing the importance of regional diversity in India's identity.
· Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards
· The awards, presented by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, celebrated the achievements of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) across diverse fields. These honours not only recognised individual excellence but also served as a powerful reminder of the diaspora's collective contributions to India's growth and the global community.
Oman Diaspora Archives: Strengthening India- Oman Ties
In a significant move to deepen India's ties with the Gulf region, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the "Oman Collection - Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman" during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025. This initiative underscores the enduring cultural and historical connections between India and Oman, furthering the soft power dimension of their bilateral relationship.
A Pioneering Archival Effort
The Oman Collection, launched in May 2024, represents a landmark achievement as the National Archives of India's first international digitisation project. It has meticulously preserved over 7,000 documents from the private collections of prominent Indian families residing in Oman for over two centuries. By digitising and showcasing these records, the initiative not only highlights the Indian diaspora's historical contributions but also serves as a bridge to deepen cultural understanding.
This effort is particularly significant given Oman's substantial Indian diaspora, which numbers nearly seven lakh members. The community's roots in Oman extend over 5,000 years, with major migration waves, such as the one led by Gujarati merchants in the late 18th century, shaping the socio-economic fabric of the region.
Strategic Implications for Bilateral Relations
Oman's strategic importance for India extends beyond cultural ties. The Gulf nation is a crucial defence and trade partner, with both countries sharing converging interests in securing trade routes and enhancing regional stability. In February 2024, Oman allocated a dedicated zone for India at the Port of Duqm, a critical asset in the western and southern Indian Ocean regions. This development, following Sultan Haitham bin Tariq's state visit to India, solidified Oman's role as a pivotal partner in India's maritime strategy.
As Middle Eastern crises threaten trade routes through the Red Sea, Oman's cooperation with India has become increasingly vital. Initiatives like the Oman Collection not only enhance cultural diplomacy but also contribute to the broader geopolitical objective of strengthening bilateral ties.
Outlook for the Future
The unveiling of the Oman Collection comes at a time when both nations are exploring a Free Trade Agreement, a move that could further cement their economic partnership. With defence cooperation, trade, and cultural exchanges advancing in tandem, the India-Oman relationship exemplifies a comprehensive approach to bilateral engagement.
By preserving and celebrating the shared history of the Indian diaspora in Oman, this initiative not only pays homage to a vibrant community but also lays the groundwork for deeper collaboration in the years to come.
(The author is correspondent of an international multi- media platform.) Feedback can be sent to feedback. employmentnews @gmail.com).
Views expressed are personal.