PM to Inaugurate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021

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• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be inaugurated by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 9 January.

What is the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021?

• The 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, is being organized on 9th January 2021.
• The Convention will be held in virtual format.
• The theme of 16th PBD Convention 2021 is "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat".
• The names of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees for 2020-21 will also be announced.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are conferred to select Indian diaspora members to recognize their achievements and honour their contributions to various fields, both in India and abroad.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs.
• It provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians.

What is Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

• The Youth PBD will also be celebrated virtually on the theme "Bringing together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora” on 8 January 2021.
• It will be anchored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Why Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated?

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated once in every two years.
• It is celebrated to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots.
• The decision to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divaswas 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.
• The day was chosen to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915.