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India (Commonwealth Union)_ India is taking another step towards bringing its overseas communities closer to their ancestral homeland, with the government preparing to host the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2027. The event aims to strengthen the bond between India and millions of people of Indian origin living across the world, particularly younger generations who want to reconnect with their cultural heritage. Accordingly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launched the official website for the event in New Delhi on Wednesday. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was also present at the launch.
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Jaishankar announced that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention will take place in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027, with the support of the West Bengal government. He described the Indian diaspora as a living bridge between India and the rest of the world, highlighting its role in sharing knowledge, culture, innovation and business opportunities. According to Jaishankar, overseas Indians have made important contributions to the countries where they live while maintaining their connection with their country of origin. He said their journey across generations reflected courage, hard work, resilience and achievement.
The theme of the 2027 convention is ‘From Roots to Return: Reigniting Diaspora Connect with Bharat’. It reflects India’s efforts to help overseas Indians rediscover their ancestral, cultural and historical connections with the country. The focus will also be on younger members of the diaspora, many of whom were born and raised outside India. Although they may have limited direct experience of their ancestral homeland, the government hopes the convention will encourage them to learn more about India’s history, traditions and cultural identity.
Kolkata has been chosen as the venue partly because of its historical connection with Indian migration. Jaishankar highlighted that many Indians had migrated from Kolkata to countries such as Mauritius, Fiji and the Caribbean. Over time, these communities carried Indian languages, religious beliefs and cultural practices to their new homes, helping preserve their heritage across generations. The website, jointly developed by the central government and the West Bengal government, will provide information about the convention, registration facilities and details of planned programmes.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated every year on January 9 to remember Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915. The convention provides an important platform for India to connect with Indians living abroad and appreciate their contributions to India and the countries where they live. It also provides opportunities for members of the diaspora to meet Indian policymakers, business leaders and professionals and explore cooperation in areas such as investment, education, technology and culture. Through the 2027 gathering, India hopes to strengthen these international connections and ensure that geographical distance does not weaken the relationship between overseas Indians and their roots.
