The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is also called Non – Resident Indian Day. It is celebrated on January 9 every year. It is celebrated to encourage the overseas Indian community to reconnect with their roots.

Why is it celebrated on January 9?

On January 9, 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. He travelled to South Africa in 1893. He fought against racialism in South Africa. Till date Gandhiji is celebrated for his fight for the blacks in South Africa. As a non – resident India, he earned pride for his country. He emerged as a symbol of change and development. This is why January 9 was chosen to celebrate the Non – resident Indians in the country.

About Parvasi Bharatiya Diwas Conference

• The conference is a platform for the NRIs to express their outlooks, feelings and perceptions.
• It aids in creatin a network of NRIs distributed all over the world.
• The conference reconnects the NRIs with their roots. It acts as a platform for the NRIs to contribute towards the development of the country.
• India also conducts Regional Parvasi Bharatiya Diwas. It is conducted outside India.
• During the conference, outstanding NRIs are felicitated with awards.
• The main aim of the conference is to connect the Indian diaspora.

Role of the Indian diaspora in the country’s development

There are more than 18 million NRIs located in different parts of the world. They contribute 13% of the global remittances. Remittances is nothing but the money sent by the NRIs to their families and friends in India. These remittances account to 3.2% of Indian GDP.