Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) 2023 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.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will take place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, from January 8 to 10, has been fully prepared. The city is prepared to receive the visitors who have come to the event.

Madhya Pradesh will receive special attention on this day, and there will be sessions on textiles, food processing, and other topics. There will be a total of six seminars on the first day" The main event will take place on the second day (January 9), and Prime Minister Narendra Modi  along with the President of Suriname Chandrikaprasad Santokhi, Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and diplomats from several countries, will participate the meet..

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. Obviuosly, 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 Iindia, 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.

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 rough estimate, more than 30 lakh people from Iindia are working in the Gulf countries. Also, there are millions of Keralities in other countries of Asia, Europe, the US and Africa.

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

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.