Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2026Global Indian Diaspora Emerges as $100 Billion Strategic Asset for ‘Developed India’ Goal- RJS PBH Webinar .
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2026
Global Indian Diaspora Emerges as $100 Billion Strategic Asset for ‘Developed India’ Goal- RJS PBH Webinar .
NEW DELHI – Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed annually on January 9 to celebrate the vital contributions of the overseas Indian community to India's progress.The date January 9 was chosen to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. He is considered the greatest ‘Pravasi’ who led India’s freedom struggle.
NEW DELHI – Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed annually on January 9 to celebrate the vital contributions of the overseas Indian community to India's progress.The date January 9 was chosen to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. He is considered the greatest ‘Pravasi’ who led India’s freedom struggle.
The Indian diaspora has emerged as a $100 billion strategic asset, a key diplomat revealed during the 514th international webinar of the Ram Janaki Sansthan (RJS) Positive Broadcasting House (PBH). Sunil Kumar Singh, Program Director at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, provided a data-driven outlook on how the 35 million-strong overseas community has become the backbone of India’s foreign exchange reserves and a primary driver for national poverty alleviation.
The program, themed "Global Networking for Positive Change," served as a vital bridge between the government’s developmental goals and the resources of its overseas citizens. Uday Kumar Manna, National Convener of RJS PBH, opened the session by noting that the "Positive Media" movement is now in its 11th year. He emphasized that the "Amrit Mahotsav," celebrating the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, is being meticulously documented through a series of books, or *Granths*, to create a permanent historical record of the diaspora’s contributions.
Sunil Kumar Singh, speaking as a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are no longer viewed merely as overseas workers but as "Strategic Allies" and "Cultural Ambassadors." He noted that the ICCR maintains 38 cultural centers worldwide to foster these bonds. "Our diaspora influences foreign policy and strengthens diplomatic ties through their influential presence in global governments and scientific communities," Singh stated. He also highlighted the upcoming 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar, scheduled for January 2025, which will focus on the diaspora's role in a "Developed India."
The discussion transitioned from high-level economics to the "human factor" of the NRI experience. Rashmi Mishra, Founder Director of Inspiring Indian Women (UK & India), delivered a poignant address on the social challenges facing the diaspora. She highlighted the emotional vacuum created when parents are left behind in India. "Security and healthcare for elderly parents in India remain a constant source of anxiety for children living overseas," Mishra noted. She also raised concerns regarding property encroachment, stating that protecting ancestral land from abroad remains a significant hurdle. In a notable example of "circular migration," Mishra shared that her husband has already returned to India while she continues to manage operations in the UK, bridging the gap between the two nations.
The webinar also explored the counter-intuitive reality that living abroad often intensifies an individual's connection to Indian culture. Dr. Yojna Shah Jain, a prominent scientist and poet based in Berlin, Germany, argued that the diaspora serves as the vanguard of Indian traditions. "Distance teaches us the true value of our roots," Dr. Jain remarked, noting she wears more sarees and celebrates more festivals in Germany than she ever did in India. She credited the preservation of identity to language and literature, honoring literary giants like Tulsidas, Surdas, and Premchand. However, she urged Indian diplomatic missions to move beyond formal ceremonies and more deeply engage with the "walking identities" of India—the NRIs themselves.
Adding a spiritual dimension, Australia-based author and researcher Dr. Shweta Goyal argued that successful global networking depends on "Internal Networking"—the ability to maintain mental clarity through spiritual practice. She presented the Bhagavad Gita as a modern "Mind Management" tool to combat the contemporary epidemics of depression and anxiety. "The Gita was given to Arjuna on a battlefield, not in a forest; it is a guide for active, modern life," Goyal explained, urging NRIs to carry this wisdom as a primary cultural export.
Moderator Yashika Mittal, a former Sky News UK journalist, shared her experience of returning to India’s innovative media landscape. She observed that while Western professional systems are efficient, they often lack the emotional "extra heart" found in Indian professional life. Her perspective shifted during the session, admitting that she previously thought Indians changed abroad, but now realizes they are becoming "stronger pillars of our identity."
The RJS movement also looked toward the future by launching a major international initiative focused on "Empowering Youth Minds for Sustainable Development." The campaign, peaking on January 12th for National Youth Day, aims to integrate "Josh" (passion) with "Hosh" (conscious awareness). Kamal Malviya, a folk singer and coordinator for the Madhya Pradesh contingent, invited the global audience to this upcoming initiative, which is supported by spiritual leaders such as Swami Gyananand Ji and Vyas Muni Ji.
The environmental aspect of a "Positive Bharat" was addressed by field biologist Dr. Dinesh Albertson. Representing the Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Albertson urged NRIs to return to India to launch startups focused on protecting the "Biosphere." "We must boost each other and stay united for the nation to remain the greatest," he said, linking ecological health to national prosperity.
The session was enriched by the cultural contributions of folk singer Dayaram Malviya, whose music compared the diaspora to "pearls" spreading India's light across the seas. Business consultant Rakesh Manchanda provided historical context, drawing parallels to Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India 110 years ago. He emphasized that for India to lead globally, the diaspora must be the vanguard of universal values like compassion and mutual respect.
In the final phase of the webinar, technical support and infrastructure were discussed. Anil Kumar Maurya, Director of Next Gen Media World Marketing and Events, pledged professional filming and logistical support for the movement’s physical events at the India Habitat Centre. Minor contributors, including Dr. Kavita Parihar, Rati Chaubey, and Jagdeesh Malviya, reinforced the sentiment of *Atithi Devo Bhava* (The Guest is God), emphasizing that the RJS network functions as a "global family."
Concluding the marathon three-hour session, Uday Kumar Manna reaffirmed the collective resolution of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam* (The world is one family). He announced a "Big Resolution" for January 17th, his 60th birthday, which he intends to mark as a day of renewed commitment to the positive movement. Manna stressed that through combined efforts in media literacy and cultural networking, the "Positive Bharat" caravan will continue to grow toward the 2047 centenary of independence. The webinar served as a definitive record of the diaspora’s commitment to a "Developed India," merging high-level diplomacy with grassroots passion.
The program, themed "Global Networking for Positive Change," served as a vital bridge between the government’s developmental goals and the resources of its overseas citizens. Uday Kumar Manna, National Convener of RJS PBH, opened the session by noting that the "Positive Media" movement is now in its 11th year. He emphasized that the "Amrit Mahotsav," celebrating the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, is being meticulously documented through a series of books, or *Granths*, to create a permanent historical record of the diaspora’s contributions.
Sunil Kumar Singh, speaking as a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are no longer viewed merely as overseas workers but as "Strategic Allies" and "Cultural Ambassadors." He noted that the ICCR maintains 38 cultural centers worldwide to foster these bonds. "Our diaspora influences foreign policy and strengthens diplomatic ties through their influential presence in global governments and scientific communities," Singh stated. He also highlighted the upcoming 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar, scheduled for January 2025, which will focus on the diaspora's role in a "Developed India."
The discussion transitioned from high-level economics to the "human factor" of the NRI experience. Rashmi Mishra, Founder Director of Inspiring Indian Women (UK & India), delivered a poignant address on the social challenges facing the diaspora. She highlighted the emotional vacuum created when parents are left behind in India. "Security and healthcare for elderly parents in India remain a constant source of anxiety for children living overseas," Mishra noted. She also raised concerns regarding property encroachment, stating that protecting ancestral land from abroad remains a significant hurdle. In a notable example of "circular migration," Mishra shared that her husband has already returned to India while she continues to manage operations in the UK, bridging the gap between the two nations.
The webinar also explored the counter-intuitive reality that living abroad often intensifies an individual's connection to Indian culture. Dr. Yojna Shah Jain, a prominent scientist and poet based in Berlin, Germany, argued that the diaspora serves as the vanguard of Indian traditions. "Distance teaches us the true value of our roots," Dr. Jain remarked, noting she wears more sarees and celebrates more festivals in Germany than she ever did in India. She credited the preservation of identity to language and literature, honoring literary giants like Tulsidas, Surdas, and Premchand. However, she urged Indian diplomatic missions to move beyond formal ceremonies and more deeply engage with the "walking identities" of India—the NRIs themselves.
Adding a spiritual dimension, Australia-based author and researcher Dr. Shweta Goyal argued that successful global networking depends on "Internal Networking"—the ability to maintain mental clarity through spiritual practice. She presented the Bhagavad Gita as a modern "Mind Management" tool to combat the contemporary epidemics of depression and anxiety. "The Gita was given to Arjuna on a battlefield, not in a forest; it is a guide for active, modern life," Goyal explained, urging NRIs to carry this wisdom as a primary cultural export.
Moderator Yashika Mittal, a former Sky News UK journalist, shared her experience of returning to India’s innovative media landscape. She observed that while Western professional systems are efficient, they often lack the emotional "extra heart" found in Indian professional life. Her perspective shifted during the session, admitting that she previously thought Indians changed abroad, but now realizes they are becoming "stronger pillars of our identity."
The RJS movement also looked toward the future by launching a major international initiative focused on "Empowering Youth Minds for Sustainable Development." The campaign, peaking on January 12th for National Youth Day, aims to integrate "Josh" (passion) with "Hosh" (conscious awareness). Kamal Malviya, a folk singer and coordinator for the Madhya Pradesh contingent, invited the global audience to this upcoming initiative, which is supported by spiritual leaders such as Swami Gyananand Ji and Vyas Muni Ji.
The environmental aspect of a "Positive Bharat" was addressed by field biologist Dr. Dinesh Albertson. Representing the Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Albertson urged NRIs to return to India to launch startups focused on protecting the "Biosphere." "We must boost each other and stay united for the nation to remain the greatest," he said, linking ecological health to national prosperity.
The session was enriched by the cultural contributions of folk singer Dayaram Malviya, whose music compared the diaspora to "pearls" spreading India's light across the seas. Business consultant Rakesh Manchanda provided historical context, drawing parallels to Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India 110 years ago. He emphasized that for India to lead globally, the diaspora must be the vanguard of universal values like compassion and mutual respect.
In the final phase of the webinar, technical support and infrastructure were discussed. Anil Kumar Maurya, Director of Next Gen Media World Marketing and Events, pledged professional filming and logistical support for the movement’s physical events at the India Habitat Centre. Minor contributors, including Dr. Kavita Parihar, Rati Chaubey, and Jagdeesh Malviya, reinforced the sentiment of *Atithi Devo Bhava* (The Guest is God), emphasizing that the RJS network functions as a "global family."
Concluding the marathon three-hour session, Uday Kumar Manna reaffirmed the collective resolution of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam* (The world is one family). He announced a "Big Resolution" for January 17th, his 60th birthday, which he intends to mark as a day of renewed commitment to the positive movement. Manna stressed that through combined efforts in media literacy and cultural networking, the "Positive Bharat" caravan will continue to grow toward the 2047 centenary of independence. The webinar served as a definitive record of the diaspora’s commitment to a "Developed India," merging high-level diplomacy with grassroots passion.
Akanksha Manna
Head RJS PBH -RJS POSITIVE MEDIA
9811705015.
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