Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community (OIC) in the development of India. 

• January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
• PBD conventions are being held every year since 2003. 
• These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities. 
• These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.
• During the event, individuals of exceptional merit are honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to appreciate their role in India’s growth. 
• The event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora.
• This year it was held in Bangalore from 07th to 09th January, 2017. 
• This year the focus was on social innovators.
• Twenty social innovations were highlighted this year. A contest for innovators was organized with a prize of Rs. 1 Lakh.