New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt wishes to Indians residing abroad during the celebration of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, highlighting that the Indian diaspora remains an essential link connecting India to the wider world.

In a message shared on the social media platform ‘X’, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Warm greetings on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. The Indian diaspora serves as a robust bridge between India and the globe. They have enriched communities wherever they have settled while maintaining strong ties to their heritage. I often refer to our diaspora as our Rashtradoots, who have significantly promoted India's culture internationally. Our Government has undertaken various initiatives to strengthen the bond between our diaspora and India.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is an important national event observed annually on January 9 to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the progress of India and its standing in the international arena. This occasion serves as a crucial platform for engaging with overseas Indians and recognizing their impact in advancing India's development across multiple sectors.

The date of January 9 was selected to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa in 1915. Recognized as the greatest Pravasi, Mahatma Gandhi led India's fight for independence, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history. This day symbolizes the lasting connection between India and its citizens abroad.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention was first established in 2003 during the administration of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It was designed as a formal framework to engage with and honor the overseas Indian community, thereby strengthening their relationship with India.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is the flagship event organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and takes place in various cities across the nation. This rotating venue highlights India's regional diversity, progress, and cultural heritage while providing overseas Indians the chance to interact directly with their homeland.

Since 2015, the MEA has revamped the structure of the event by hosting the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention as a biennial gathering, complemented by theme-focused conferences in the years between. This strategy allows for more targeted discussions on specific interests and encourages significant interaction and networking among the global Indian diaspora.

The primary goal of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is to recognize the contributions of overseas Indians to India's development and to foster a deeper understanding of India abroad. It also aims to garner support for India's initiatives and promote projects that benefit Indian communities worldwide.

Over the years, the convention has facilitated the sharing of knowledge, skills, and experiences, thereby strengthening the ties between India and its diaspora.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the most prestigious accolade awarded to a Non-Resident Indian, a Person of Indian Origin, or an organization run by them. This award, presented by the President of India, acknowledges the contributions of members of the Indian diaspora towards enhancing India's reputation globally, advocating for India's causes, and working for the welfare of local Indian communities.