Lok Sabha Question No. 380 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-03
Subject: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kotha Prabhakar  Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-380 ANSWERED ON- 03/02/2023

## PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS

## 380. SHRI KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) whether the Government has held the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas;

(b) if so, the details and outcome thereof; and

(c)   the goals set for strengthening linkages of overseas Indians with their country of origin?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a to c)  17 th  Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention was organised from 08-10 January 2023, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The theme for the 17 th   PBD was 'Diaspora: Reliable partners for India's progress in Amrit Kaal'.

The three-day PBD Convention was inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in the presence of Chief Guest, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and the Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Hon'ble President of the   Republic   of   Suriname.   Hon'ble   Prime   Minister,   Shri   Narendra   Modi   also   released   a Commemorative Postal   Stamp     underlining   the   importance   of   safe,   legal,   orderly   and   skilled migration. Hon'ble Prime Minister also inaugurated the first-ever digital PBD Exhibition on theme "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav - Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle' to highlight the contribution of our diaspora freedom fighters in India's Independence. Hon'ble Rashtrapati ji, Smt. Droupadi Murmu presided over the Valedictory Session and conferred Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2023 to select Indian diaspora members to recognize their achievements and honour their contributions in various fields, both in India and abroad.

The 17 th   Pravasi Bharatiya Divas included a Youth segment & a State segment which provided a platform for youth from India to interact and engage with the Diaspora Youth. The 17 th   PBD Convention   had   five   thematic   Plenary   sessions   chaired   at   Ministerial-level,   featuring   panel discussions involving eminent diaspora experts. A Special Town Hall was organised on 09 January 2023 in view of India's ongoing Presidency of the G20.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions are organised to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Overseas Indian community and their contribution to the development of India.  The 17 th   PBD Convention held special significance as it was organized as a physical event after a gap of four years and the first physical Convention of Pravasis after the onset of Covid-19 pandemic. The Convention witnessed very enthusiastic participation from the overseas Indians from nearly 70 countries. The 17 th  PBD Convention was an overwhelming success in terms of renewing the bonding and connect with the Diaspora after an interval of four years, and laying the foundation for their participation and contribution to the growth and development of India in the 'Amrit Kaal.'

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