GS Mains Model Question & Answer: Summarise a note on 14th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas 2016

Q. Summarise a note on 14th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas 2016. (12.5 Marks)

(General Studies Mains Paper II- International relations : Indian diaspora)

Model Answer :

The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was organized for the first time by ministry of external affairs after the government's decision to merge ministry of overseas Indian affairs with it.

The event was inaugurated by the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and and Cabinet Ministers of Government of India and Chief Ministers of States attending it on 9th January 2016.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated in India on 9 January each year to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in Bombay on 9 January 1915

The decision to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was taken in accordance with recommendations of the High Level Committee (HLC) on the Indian Diaspora set up by government of India under the chairmanship of L. M. Singhvi (L M Singhvi).

The annual event is aimed at bringing together non-resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin (PIOs) and help forge stronger links between them and India.

The 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was unique for two significant reasons-

1) The PBD Conference 2016 is being planned differently with an objective for developing a new paradigm for engagement with the Diaspora over the next decade.

2) Participation in the PBD Conference will be through invitation only and not through the on-line registration as in earlier PBDs.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2016 Celebration around the world :

Washington, USA- Ambassador Arun K. Singh highlighted the transformational role played by the Indian American Community in further deepening of the Indo-US ties.

Sydney, Australia- The Consulate General of India in Sydney celebrated the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2016 to bring together the Indian community members, brief them on various GOI flagship projects and discuss how Indian Diaspora could contribute in India’s social and economic development.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia- The Embassy of India in Riyadh with Indian diaspora working in different fields in the Kingdom participated in the panel discussions on (i) Diaspora contributing to India’s Social and Developmental Efforts” and (ii) Making India the Preferred Destination for Holistic Health Care, organized by the Mission for celebration of PBD.

Lima, Peru- The Embassy of India in Lima commemorated the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2016, in partnership with the India-Peru Friendship Association (AAPI) and the India-Peru Chamber of Commerce (INCHAM).

Brussles, Belgium- The Embassy of India in Brussels celebrated Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2016 with the theme of “Engaging Diaspora Organisations: Belgium and Luxembourg”. Prominent leaders of the Indian community gave ideas on how they could contribute to India’s development initiatives.

Phnom Penh, Combodia- The Embassy officials briefed members of Indian Association and Indian Chamber of Commerce about the initiatives taken by the Government of India, information regarding India Development Foundation for Overseas.

Seoul, South Korea- The celebrations,was chaired by the Ambassador who highlighted some of the initiatives of the government such as, MADAD and Know India Program.

Hong Kong, China- Mr. Ramakant Agrawal presented a contribution of Rs. 25 lakh towards “Namami Gange” (Clean Ganga project) under the IDF-OI. Initiatives undertaken by Government such as conversion of PIO to OCI, doing away with redundant paperwork requirement for consular services etc. were commended.

Achievements :

Sushma Swaraj announced that the government is considering Aadhaar cards to non-resident Indians (NRIs) .
Allowing women workers to Gulf countries only through the government agencies to ensure they were not duped by recruiting agents or firms.