Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) 2021 is observed on 9 January to enhance the engagement of the overseas Indian community (Indian Diaspora) with the Government of India and also focus on reconnecting them with their roots. As the day January 9 is earmarked for overseas Indian Community, let us have a glimpse of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas and its significance.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or Non-Resident Indian Day is commemorated on 9 January every year by the Union Government till 2015 and now it is celebrated once in every two years to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian Community in the development of India. 

This day has its connotation as it is the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa in 1915. Obviously, it provides an ideal platform for the government to interact with the Diaspora community who reside in several parts across the world. 

On 9 January 1915, Mahatma Gandhi came to India from South Africa and became the greatest Pravasi who led India's Freedom Struggle and made India free from British or colonial rule. He not only changed the lives of Indian's but also created an example that if a person's dreams and desires are clear, he or she can achieve anything. As a Non-Resident Indian or Pravasi, he is presented as a symbol of a change and development that could bring into India.

According to the Indian Government NRI has global exposure in terms of business and development strategies around the world. If some opportunity is provided to them they will contribute to the developmental process by infusing their ideas, experiences and funds on their motherland, India.

As we are painfully aware of the fact that the fast spread of COVID-19 in the overseas has become a major cause of concern in Kerala, which has a large section of its population working there, a lot of them are ordinary workers and labourers. It has been more than half a century since the Malayalee Diaspora working in the overseas countries. A Malayalee who sweats in the sand for home and country has a defining role in the economic growth of Kerala.

In this Pravasi Bhartiya Divas let us respect the significance of Diaspora in all respects as the role of the overseas in the state's economic development cannot be overstated. As per estimate, more than 30 lakh people from Kerala are working in the Gulf countries. Also, there are millions of Malayalees in other countries of Asia, Europe, the US and Africa.

Taking the case of Kerala, according to a rough estimate, the overseas Malayalees send a total of Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Kerala every year. It is estimated that the remittances of the Gulf Malayalees play a vital role in keeping the Human Development Index (HDI) of Kerala on par with the developed nations.

It is estimated that about 50 percent of expatriates who have sustained the state’s economy return home because of Covid crisis. This will create a situation where the state is currently facing financial difficulties.  The banking sector which mainly depends mainly on the money of expatriates will be a huge blow. As the cash flow decrease, so does the standard of living. Hence, in this day, let us acknowledge these facts and pay high esteem and concerns to our overseas brethrens who are instrumental in development of Indian economy. Hearty greetings to the Indian Diaspora and friends of India! May this day of significance bring joy and cheer for all.

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