Overseas Indian Day
9 January Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated every year on January 9 to commemorate the contribution of the Indian diaspora in the development of India. It was on January 9 that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa. Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region under the auspices of Confederation of Indian Industry, this day has been celebrated since 2003. This day is celebrated with a three-day program in a particular city of the country. Around 1,500 delegates from 51 countries participated in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in New Delhi in 2011. On this day, the President of the country formally presented the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Sanman’ award.