Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9 January every year to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community 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.
Thirteen PBDs have been held earlier in various places of India so far as follows:
| Year | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 9-11 January 2003 | New Delhi |
| 2004 | 9-11 January 2004 | New Delhi |
| 2005 | 7-9 January 2005 | Mumbai |
| 2006 | 7-9 January 2006 | Hyderabad |
| 2007 | 7-9 January 2007 | New Delhi |
| 2008 | 7-9 January 2008 | New Delhi |
| 2009 | 7-9 January 2009 | Chennai |
| 2010 | 7-9 January 2010 | New Delhi |
| 2011 | 7-9 January 2011 | New Delhi |
| 2012 | 7-9 January 2012 | Jaipur |
| 2013 | 7-9 January 2013 | Kochi |
| 2014 | 7-9 January 2014 | New Delhi |
| 2015 | 7-9 January 2015 | Gandhinagar |