Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, popularly known as NRI Day, is observed annually on January 9 in India to honor and celebrate the priceless contributions made by the Indian diaspora worldwide. This day honors the accomplishments of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who have greatly benefited their accepted nations while continuing to value their Indian culture and values.
On Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Indian diaspora a happy day and praised their commitment to upholding our rich cultural legacy and fostering international relations.
PM Narendra Modi ji congratulated Indian Diaspora worldwide wrote, “Greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. This is a day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the Indian diaspora worldwide. Their dedication towards preserving our rich heritage and strengthening global ties is commendable. They embody the spirit of India across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and diversity.”
Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar posted on his official twitter account, “On Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, greetings to the Indian Diaspora across the world. We take immense pride in your achievements. Your outstanding contributions play a crucial role in enhancing India’s global standing.”
It’s also a day to honor the diverse and large Indian diaspora, recognize their accomplishments, and fortify the ties that bind them to their homeland. It serves as a reminder that the Indian spirit is still very much alive and well in the world, and that its contributions will continue to improve everyone’s future.
On January 6, the Indian Embassy in Oslo, Norway observed the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Lier, where they celebrated the tales of NRIs in Drammen and Lier.
India in Asuncion, Paraguay will celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas with Hindi Diwas on January 14.
On January 9, 1915, Mahatma Gandhi ji returned to India from South Africa, made this day significant in history. Being a Pravasi Bharatiya, after his return to India, Gandhiji led the Indian independence movement and motivated numerous others to fight for the freedom of their own country.
Since the inaugural of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in 2003 by the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the event has grown to serve as a forum for reuniting the Indian diaspora with their heritage and promoting their ongoing involvement in India’s advancement.