Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day): General Knowledge
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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day 2023 (9th January)
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day is observed on 9th January biennially to commemorate the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to Mumbai, India in 1915. This day is also celebrated to highlight the contribution of the Non-Resident Indian community to the development of India. NRI Day was first celebrated in 2003 by the Republic of India.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated from 7th January to 9th January every year in a selected Indian city, where a forum and award ceremony is also organized. We have shared further details about this day, its history and its significance here.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is about acknowledging the contribution of the overseas Indian community in developing India. Several Indian government agencies, such as the Ministry of External Affairs, FICCI, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, and the Confederation of Indian Industries sponsor the NRI Day.
NRI Day – History
The history of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas can be traced back to 2000 when the Government of India decided to celebrate 9th January as a day honouring the NRI community. The significance of 9th January as NRI Day comes from the fact that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa on this day in 1915.
Although this day was officiated in 2000, it was first celebrated in 2003. Here are more details about the history of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas –
- The Indian jurist, diplomat, and writer, L.M. Singhvi conceptualized the idea of NRI Day.
- Subsequently, on 9th January 2002, the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee officially announced the day.
- On 9th January 2006, the concept of OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) was introduced on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Pravasi Divas – Significance
NRI Day is a significant event that highlights the efforts of the overseas Indian community in still contributing to India’s progress. This day was established by the Government of India to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India. Eventually, Pravasi Divas evolved to celebrate the contribution of the Indian diaspora towards the development of India.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is also significant because it showcases the effort of the overseas Indian community in staying in touch with their roots. Mahatma Gandhi himself travelled all the way back from South Africa to India to contribute to the Indian independence struggle.
How is NRI Day Celebrated?
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on a national level in India. This day is celebrated biennially, with a chief guest generally arriving from overseas. Here are some of the ways in which NRI Day is celebrated –
- Special events and programs are held to highlight the contribution of the NRI community with exceptional merit.
- Individuals who have contributed greatly to India’s progress receive the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
- On Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, awareness is also spread about the contribution of the NRI community.
Q. What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or NRI Day is a day commemorating the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. Besides that, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas also highlights the efforts and contributions of the overseas Indian community in uplifting and developing India.
Q. Why is 9th January called Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
9th January is called Pravasi Bharatiya Divas because, on that day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi travelled back from South Africa to India. So, this date is considered relevant to highlight the contribution of overseas Indians in helping develop India and to discuss their achievements.