Indian Council of World Affairs

With the 17^th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) a few days away, we at ICWA are privileged to join hands with MEA to organize this curtain raiser event at Sapru House on the theme of ‘Celebrating the Diaspora in an era of Amrit Kaal’.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is being held this time in Indore from 8-10 January, 2023. Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is an important and unique platform for re-engaging and re-connecting with overseas Indians.  It is a bridge that connects people who trace their descent to India, with their motherland and their roots. It celebrates the success of the Overseas Indian Communities.  Most importantly, Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is an opportunity for People of Indian origin, from different parts of the world, to interact with each other and share their experiences and explore possibilities of working on projects in India, as our nation enters its Amrit Kaal – its journey of the next 25 years till 2047 when India will celebrate 100 years of its freedom from colonial rule.

Historically speaking, PBD commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on 9th January 1915.  He was, and remains, the greatest Pravasi who led India’s freedom struggle and got our nation its independence.

Indian diaspora is one of the oldest and, indeed, one of the largest diasporas in the world with approximately 32 million people of Indian origin. Today, Indians are found in all continents and in almost every country of the world.  The Diaspora community has excelled in terms of acquiring knowledge, skill and expertise in many diverse fields and in building networks of excellence. This can be seen from their contributions and achievements in various fields ranging from science and technology, education and research, finance and business, pharmaceuticals and medicine, engineering among others. Indian origin individuals are occupants of highest political office today in Guyana, Suriname, UK, Republic of Ireland, Portugal, and Mauritius. Indian Origin CEOs are leading industries across the world.  Much to be proud of!!!

India’s approach to its diaspora is characterized by 4Cs - Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute. This 4C approach is a comprehensive framework that is designed to take care of the welfare and protection of our diaspora, connect them to their roots, celebrate their achievements and their contributions to India’s development.

The theme of the forthcoming 17th PBD is ‘Diaspora: Reliable Partners in India’s Progress Towards Amrit Kal’. The forthcoming PBD will build upon the discussions at the previous PBD held virtually in 2021 where the theme was “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.  We look forward to the talent and skills of our diaspora community, contributing to India’s growth story.   

This PBD holds special relevance as it coincides with India’s G20 and SCO Presidency. I am sure that diaspora participating in PBD will witness the confidence and energy with which, India is taking its role of being Chair of these two very important global groupings.

ICWA is privileged to hold this panel discussion among representatives from the Government, diaspora organizations, international organizations and academic community that promises to touch on many aspects that will be deliberated upon in this curtain raiser event for the forthcoming PBD at Indore from 8-10 January 2023.

Thank you.

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