Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 16th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) Convention today.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas also known as the Non-Resident Indian Day is observed today - January 9 and a convention is being held by the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with the Indian diaspora spread across the globe. The day also marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa in 1915.

The theme of 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021 is “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention which will be held today in a virtual format and also be attended by Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi who will be the chief guest during the inauguration, the External Affairs Ministry mentioned in an official statement.

PM Modi tweeted: NRIs have made a big contribution in the fight against #COVID19 from where they were staying or from India. Their contribution to #PMCares is strengthening health services in the country.

This year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the convention is being held in a virtual format and with the theme being “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self Reliant India).

"In view of the sentiments of our vibrant diaspora community, the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being organised on January 9, 2021, despite the ongoing COVID pandemic. The Convention will be held in virtual format, as were the PBD Conferences held recently in the run-up to the Convention," the home ministry said through a statement.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has been celebrated every year since January 9, 2003. However, in the year 2015, its format was revised to celebrate the PBD once every two years and to hold theme-based PBD Conferences during the intervening period with participation from overseas diaspora experts, policymakers and stakeholders.

On January 9, 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa. The ‘Father of the Nation’ led India’s freedom struggle from British rule which us Independence and gave birth to a new republic.

To mark this day of Bapu’s return, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or Non-Resident Indian Day is celebrated.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas holds a great significance as the day not only reconnects NRIs with their roots but celebrates their achievements. This day also acknowledges the difficulties faced by Indian expatriate workers living abroad.

PBD Conventions help in creating a network of NRIs in all the countries of the world and connecting the younger generation with immigrants so that they can evolve and contribute significantly to the development of the country.

On this day, the government focuses on reconnecting overseas Indians with their roots and creating a network of NRIs in all the countries of the world to connecting the younger generation with immigrants.

On January 8, Youth PBD was celebrated virtually on the theme “Bringing together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora” anchored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are conferred by the President of India to NRIs or, PIOs (Person of Indian Origin) or an organization established by NRIs or PIOs to recognize their achievements and honour their contributions to various fields, both in India and overseas.\