Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress
in Amrit Kaal
The inquisitive nature of human beings led them to explore. The history of immigration dates centuries. It is often in search of resources to enhance the quality of life and lead safe and secure lives. While exploring the world, some found the places they explored to meet their requirements and decided to make them their country of residence. The heart remains connected with the place it initially belonged to, wherever one chooses to live and settle down. Adapting to the cultural diversity of the place adopted to live becomes challenging. When one becomes prosperous and makes progress, the urge and longing to give back to the society that made you what you are getting enhanced, and the joy it gives to see the Indians being successful the world over indicates our connection. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day) reflects such celebrations and recognition of the contributions of many people living in other countries. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) is celebrated on January 9 every year to recognise the role played by the Overseas Indian community in the development of India. On this day in 1915, Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi, perhaps the greatest Pravasi from our country, returned to India from South Africa. The number of Indians living in the gulf countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait is very high. In countries like Mauritius, Guayana, and Trinidad & Tobago population of Indian origin is higher than 40%. Almost in all countries, you would see Indians living there. Getting prosperity and spreading happiness should be the goal for every individual. Success cannot be in isolation. Sharing the success of the communities and societies is essential. While the mind is where one chooses to live, the heart is with the roots. Celebrate the success and share the path that traversed, which brought the victory. Achieving success is joy. Sharing is more joyful. Let us celebrate Indians who are not residing in this country.
The inquisitive nature of human beings led them to explore. It is often in search of resources to enhance the quality of life and lead safe and secure lives. While exploring the world, some found the places they explored to meet their requirements and decided to make them their country of residence. The history of immigration dates centuries. It is searching for education, employment, and a better quality of life in modern times. The heart remains connected with the place it initially belonged to, wherever one decides to live and settle down. When one migrates, they leave behind the families, friends, and culture of the societies they have been part of. After achieving the material comforts and progress made in their career or business, the longing to connect to the root echoes. Adapting to the cultural diversity of the place adopted to live becomes challenging. When one becomes prosperous and makes progress, the urge and longing to give back to the society that made you what you are getting enhanced, and the joy it gives to see the Indians being successful the world over indicates our connection. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day) reflects such celebrations and recognition of the contributions of many people living in other countries. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) is celebrated on January 9 every year to recognise the role played by the Overseas Indian community in the development of India.
On this day in 1915, Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi, perhaps the greatest Pravasi from our country, returned to India from South Africa. What happened afterwards is history. Observing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas helps network, builds partnerships, and promotes investment, education, and culture. The credit for this initiative goes to former prime minister late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who in 2002 announced the commemoration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas every January 9. It showcases the effort of the overseas Indian community to stay in touch with their roots. The theme of the observation this year is “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal”. It aims to highlight the importance of the Indian diaspora in contributing to India’s progress. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest honour given to overseas Indians, is given to people of Indian origin, on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Day, in recognition of the services they are extending.
Overseas Indians, officially known as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The term non-resident refers to the tax status of a citizen. Perhaps classifying them as Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), people of Indian birth or ancestry who live outside India, is more appropriate. Ministry of External Affairs report indicates, more than 32 million NRIs and PIOs reside outside India. Overseas Indians comprise the world’s largest overseas diaspora. The highest annual number of migrants in the world is from India. The NRI remittance received plays an important role and is one of India’s most significant sources of foreign exchange. India is the world’s leading receiver of remittances, and an estimate puts it at more than 12% of the world’s remittances.
The number of Indians living in the gulf countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait is very high. In countries like Mauritius, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago population of Indian origin is higher than 40%. Almost in all countries, you would see Indians living there. But there are few countries where there is no Indian residing, which include Vatican City and, not surprisingly, Pakistan. Bulgaria is another country where very few Indians live. Be it from Australia, the UK, New Zealand, or the USA, Indians were the most educated migrant group. Indian Americans are the third-largest Asian American ethnic group.
The joy that it brings to Indians when they see people of Indian origin achieve success and contribute. Persons of Indian origin lead almost all the front-ranking multi-national companies. Mr Sunak taking over as PM of the UK and Kamala Harris becoming Vice President of the USA reflect persons of Indian origin’s ability to adopt, grow and contribute to the progress of the adopted countries.
Getting prosperity and spreading happiness should be the goal for every individual. Success cannot be in isolation. Sharing the success of the communities and societies is essential. While the mind is where one chooses to live, the heart is with the roots. Celebrate the success and share the path that traversed, which brought the victory. Achieving success is joy. Sharing is more joyful. Let us celebrate Indians who are not residing in this country.
Toon: Reema Jaiswal
Log: M Sai Baba
Policy Milieu is an initiative of the Public Policy students of Ramaiah University. On their invitation
I have contributed (essentially the same content) to the “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” theme. Which can be accessed at:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Series – POLICY MILIEU (wordpress.com).
ToonLogs written on this topic earlier is available at:
