'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' and 'Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards'

The Committee has documented in detail the pre-eminent role the Indian Diaspora has played in our relations with several countries.

The Committee has documented in detail the pre-eminent role the Indian Diaspora has played in our relations with several countries, its increasingly important role in mobilising political support on issues of vital concern to India in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, its increasing economic interaction with India, as well as the goodwill demonstrated by it towards India in times of national crisis.

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Accordingly, on August 21, 2001, in recognition and appreciation of the constructive economic, political and philanthropic role played by the Indian Diaspora and its achievements - the High Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora ('HLC') made two interim recommendations to the Government of India

(i) on observing an annual 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' in India and abroad on the 9th of January every year, a symbolic date as Mahatma Gandhi returned on this day from his stay in South Africa, and

(ii) for the institution of 'Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards' for eminent PlOs/NRls. The Committee further recommended that these awards be presented to NRls and PIOs on the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' with the involvement at the highest levels of government and State in the ceremony. Several high-profile events such as business and academic seminars should be organised simultaneously.