Why is it in the news?
→ Observed on 9 January with the PM greeting the Indian diaspora worldwide.
→ Emphasised diaspora’s role in nation building.
Category: IR
Important Points
- Flagship outreach programme of the Ministry of External Affairs.
- Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa in 1915.
- Instituted in 2003; since 2015 held biennially in theme-based format.
- Objectives: recognise diaspora contributions, enhance India’s image, support overseas Indians.
- 18th PBD Convention 2025 held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Launch of Pravasi Bharatiya Express under Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
- Exhibition on Mandvi–Muscat migration.
- Renewed emphasis on Girmitiya legacy and proposal for comprehensive database.
- Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour for NRIs/OCIs and diaspora organisations.