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Dietician Sheela Seharawat

The decision to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was taken on 8th of January, 2002, by the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 9th of January, was particularly chosen to celebrate the day, as in 1915 on the same day Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa. The purpose behind celebrating this day every year is to acknowledge and mark the contributions made by the overseas Indian community towards the development of our country.
The celebrations are marked by special programs and awards to recognize and facilitate Indian residents settled abroad for their exceptional and prominent contributions in their fields with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. Forums and discussions are held to understand concerns and issues faced by people of the diaspora. All these measures are initiated and conducted by the Ministry of Indian Overseas affairs in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). The aim of all these is to provide and bring the overseas Indian community all over the globe on a common platform and engage them with the Government and other Indian communities in our country for engaging in activities which is beneficial for all. It provides a common ground for all staying at various parts of the world and India to come together under one umbrella and share their valuable experiences and expertise in various field.

This year in 2018, it marks 25 years of ASEAN – Indian partnership which has been based on true principle of age old traditions, cultures, religions and human relations, based on the ancient route of commerce. To be celebrated in Singapore, this year the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is themed as Ancient Route, New Journey: Diaspora in the Dynamic ASEAN INDIA Partnership and will celebrate ASEAN-Indian partnership. The Indian Diaspora forms a prominent bridge between India and ASEAN and forms an important part of Southeast Asia’s diverse culture and trade. The event is scheduled to be held at the Marina Bay Sands on the 6th and 7th of January, this time.

In the year 2015, the Government of India decided to revise the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas format and re-invent its involvement with the India Diaspora in a view to have sustained and more aggressive and fruitful engagement. In a measure to this it was decided that the Pravasi Bharatiya Convention would be held once in two years in a city outside of Delhi.
As a part of the celebrations gala dinners, concerts, exhibitions, festivals, various competitions like essay, poetry, dance and photography are held at the venues.