Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Odisha

Prelims Only | History and Art & Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Why in the News?

Prime Minister has inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention. The theme for this year was the “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat”.

About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

  • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event organized by the Ministry of External Affairs to honor the achievements and contributions of Indians living abroad.
  • This celebration is held every two years on January 9, marking the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi, regarded as the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa to lead the country’s freedom movement.
  • Since 2015, the event has been held biennially, with theme-based conferences organized during the intervening years.
  • The location of the convention changes to showcase the progress and diversity of different regions in India.

Who are the Girmitiyas?

  • The Girmitiyas were indentured laborers from British India who were transported during the 19th and early 20th centuries to work on plantations in various countries.
  • The term “Girmitiyas” originates from the Indian pronunciation of the English word “agreement”, referencing the contracts they signed.
  • The Girmitiyas were sent to places such as Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, British Guiana (now Guyana), Suriname, Malaysia, and Kenya.
  • These laborers were bound by contracts, called Girmits (agreements), which required them to work for a single employer at a fixed wage for a period of 3 to 5 years.

Contributions of the Indian Diaspora

  • Economic Contributions: In 2024, India received $129.1 billion in remittances, accounting for 14.3% of global remittances. This inflow has been a vital source of economic support.
  • Professional Contributions: Over 73% of Indian-Americans are employed in high-skill sectors such as STEMM, business, law, and academia. The diaspora acts as a bridge between India and global markets, facilitating skill transfer, trade, and foreign direct investment.
  • Cultural and Soft Power: The Indian diaspora serves as cultural ambassadors, promoting traditions such as Bollywood, Yoga, and festivals like Diwali.
  • Global Presence: The Indian diaspora is spread across the globe, with 31.3 million people residing in countries such as the United States, UAE, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

PYQ:

[2020] ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.

[2017] The Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South East Asian countries economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.

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