Happy NRI Day—Pravasi Bharatiya Divas!
NRI day celebrates the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2025 kicked off with great enthusiasm in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This biennial event is being jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Odisha government from January 8 to January 10, 2025.
Under the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, it aims to highlight India’s global connect with its overseas citizens and celebrates the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora.
We know you’re just as excited as we are to celebrate this special day dedicated to our incredible Indian diaspora. Many of you are traveling to India, reuniting with family and friends, and attending the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event in Odisha. As expected, the first day was packed with inspiring speeches, groundbreaking initiatives, and cultural showcases.
Your commitment and contributions to India’s growth story are truly inspiring. And guess what? PM Shri Narendra Modi couldn’t agree more!
In his speech today, he shared some amazing updates on how NRIs are making India No. 1. He made several significant announcements aimed at strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora and promoting India’s growth.
Here’s a detailed overview:
Investment Opportunities in GIFT City
PM Modi acknowledged the pivotal role of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in making India the world’s leading recipient of remittances. He emphasized the potential for NRIs to grow their wealth through investments in India’s financial hubs, particularly the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
- GIFT City: Positioned as India’s premier international financial services center, GIFT City offers NRIs the opportunity to invest directly in Indian markets without the need to convert foreign currency into Indian rupees. This facilitates seamless investments in various sectors, including Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
- Tax Benefits: Investments made through GIFT City are designed to be tax-efficient, providing NRIs with avenues to maximize returns while benefiting from India’s economic growth.
(PS: SB NRI can help)
Launch of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express
In a move to reconnect the Indian diaspora with their cultural roots, PM Modi inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train exclusively for NRIs. This initiative, part of the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana by the Ministry of External Affairs, aims to provide NRIs an immersive experience of India’s rich heritage.
- What’s the deal? A 3-week journey starting from Delhi, covering 17 must-see spots like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Rameswaram, and Agra.
- For whom? Exclusively for the diaspora aged 45–65 years.
- What’s cooler? Under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, the Indian government is covering 100% of the tour cost and 90% of the return airfare. Yes, you only pay 10% of your airfare! This is a highly subsidized opportunity for NRIs to explore their homeland.
Promotion of ‘Made-in-India’ Initiatives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to action for NRIs at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is clear and inspiring—support Made-in-India products and fuel the country’s innovation journey!
The message isn’t just about celebrating the advancements in India’s manufacturing capabilities today but about working towards a future where everything you cherish—from the goods you consume to the planes you fly in—is proudly Made in India.
By embracing Indian-made goods and services, NRIs can strengthen the nation’s economy and also contribute to a global movement of self-reliance and innovation. It can create a ripple effect where every purchase, and every investment accelerates India’s journey to becoming a manufacturing powerhouse.
He urged the NRI community to work towards the dream—so the next time they fly home, it’s on a state-of-the-art aircraft, proudly designed and built in India.
Expansion of diplomatic outreach
To provide better support services to NRIs, PM Modi highlighted the establishment of 14 new embassies and consulates over the past two years. These diplomatic missions are strategically located to offer faster and more efficient assistance to NRIs, ensuring their concerns and needs are addressed promptly.
PM Modi’s vision of Buddha over battles
In his speech, PM Modi called India the “Mother of Democracy”, emphasizing that diversity and peace are at our core. His standout quote: “The future does not lie in war, but in Buddha.”
Translation? India’s all about harmony, collaboration, and making the world a better place.
Call to explore India’s cultural richness
PM Modi extended a heartfelt invitation to NRIs to deepen their engagement with India.
- Bring Friends Along: He encouraged NRIs to bring five friends along on their next visit to India, and promote cultural exchange and tourism.
- Youth Engagement: The Prime Minister highlighted initiatives like “Study in India” and the “Bharat Ko Jaaniye Quiz,” aimed at involving younger generations of the diaspora in India’s educational and cultural landscape.
India as the next global skill factory
PM Modi is laser-focused on making India a global hub for skilled talent.
- The government is ensuring Indian youths step onto the world stage equipped with cutting-edge skills.
- With the world looking for talent, India is ready to lead the charge with its young, dynamic workforce.
India’s brilliance at show
PM Modi also kicked off four exhibitions:
- Vishwaroop Ram – The Universal Legacy of Ramayana: This exhibition would bring the timeless epic of Ramayana to life. With a mix of old and new art, it aims to show why the story still matters today.
- Diaspora’s contribution to technology and Viksit Bharat: This exhibit celebrates how the Indian diaspora has helped shape global technology and India’s progress as a developed nation.
- Spread and Evolution of Indian diaspora in the world: This exhibition would explore the migration story from Mandvi (Gujarat) to Muscat (Oman) with rare documents and personal stories.
- Heritage and Culture of Odisha: In this exhibition, discover Odisha’s rich culture through its art and crafts, highlighting the state’s proud traditions.
A big shoutout to the Diaspora
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a special message: The Indian diaspora is more important than ever. He urged NRIs to join hands in building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
“India’s global impact is unmatched”: President Kangaloo
Trinidad and Tobago’s President Christine Carla Kangaloo just gave major props to India, calling its contributions to world civilization “remarkable.” In a virtual address as the chief guest, she highlighted India’s role in shaping the world, saying, “The world’s first university was set up in Takshashila in 700 BC.” She also pointed out that algebra, trigonometry, and calculus all trace their roots to India. Talk about a legacy!
Valedictory Event Coming Up
On January 10, President Droupadi Murmu will bring the curtain down on PBD 2025. She will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to outstanding members of the diaspora.
Why Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention matters
The PBD Convention is the ultimate connect-back-to-India platform. It’s a space to celebrate, share ideas, and brainstorm how NRIs can make India shine even brighter. This year’s event is jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Odisha government, with key figures like External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi leading the charge.
So, let’s keep the celebrations alive and continue shaping the India of tomorrow—together!
Let’s make the world fall in love with India together!
India’s on the rise, and PM Modi’s & SBNRI inviting you to be part of it! The next few years promise huge growth opportunities—together let’s make India developed by 2047!
Download the SBNRI app today and grow with India!
