(Non-Resident Indian) NRI Day/ Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2020: History, Significance, and Facts
Mahatma Gandhi is the reason why NRI Day is celebrated on 9th January: Know Why?
Non-Resident Day or Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas is observed on 9th January every year by the Central Government. It was celebrated every year until 2015, but now, it is celebrated once in two years to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian Community in the development of India. The celebration could also be seen as a way to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Indian Government and reconnect them with their roots.
Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi of India returned to India from South Africa on 9 January 2015, that’s why this date is chosen as the NRI day or Pravasi Bhartiya Divas.
Conventions are held every 2nd year to celebrate NRI day
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas conventions are being held on the day of celebration. These conventions provide a platform for the overseas Indian community to engage with the people and government of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities. The conventions are very useful in networking amongst the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share the experiences they had in overseas countries in various fields.
Individuals of exceptional merit are honored with the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award during the convention to appreciate their role in India’s growth. The event also avails a platform to discuss key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora across the world.
The government states that an NRI has global exposure in terms of development strategies and business around the world. If they are provided the opportunity, then they will contribute to the development process by infusing their ideas and experiences on their motherland.
15th NRI Day was celebrated in Varanasi last year and the theme for the convention was “Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India”. Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth was the chief guest for the convention.
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