Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana – Features, Benefits

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, launched the PM Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana in 2018-19. This government scheme was created for India’s Pravasi (Diaspora). For the senior generation, it was implemented of PIOs; aged 45 to 65 years from the Girmitiya countries, such as Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and Reunion Island. In addition, PIOs will reconnect with their Indian heritage; on a funded pilgrimage journey, across India, as part of the scheme. 

The programme is aimed at PIOs in Girmitiya countries from lower-income families who cannot afford to travel to India. It’s a 17-day programme, organized in collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. – IRC TC. Pravasi; would be able to visit India twice a year and observe Indian culture and heritage. In this system, all major religions visit India’s various sacred sites. This scheme will be implemented in India through a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) trip. 

The government has held four versions of PTDY so far, with 160 PIOs participating. Delhi, Ajmer, Agra, Varanasi, Gaya, Patna, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Madurai, Trivandrum, Madgaon, and Goa are all covered by the PTDY group. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

The government’s main event, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), is held every year on January 9th; to commemorate the Overseas Indian population’s contribution to India’s growth. The date of January 9th was chosen because it was on this day, in 1915, that Mahatma Gandhi, India’s greatest Pravasi, returned from South Africa, led India’s freedom war, and forever changed the lives of Indians.

So far, 15 conventions have been commemorated. Since 2015, the PBD has been celebrated every two years. In the interim, there will be theme-based PBD Conferences. The participation ranges from diaspora specialists, policymakers, and stakeholders from all around the world. These conventions allow the overseas Indian community to participate in mutually beneficial activities with the government and people of the nation of their ancestors.

These conferences are also crucial in encouraging networks, among the overseas Indian people, in various parts of the world. This plays a vital role in sharing their skills in many sectors. In 2015, and 2017, then 13th, and 14th Conventions, were held in Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru, respectively.

The 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.

The 15th PBD Convention was held in Varanasi from the 21st to the 23rd of January 2019, with Uttar Pradesh as the Partner State. The 15th PBD attracted around 7000 delegates. The 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas had two new attractions. On January 26th, 2019, a visit to the Kumbh Mela; in Prayagraj and participation in Republic Day events in New Delhi. The purpose of Republic Day is to honour the feelings of the Diaspora. PBD was held in 2020 via a video conference, in which the External Affairs Minister communicated with Diaspora from eight different nations. The event was streamed live to all Indian embassies and consulates worldwide.

Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

The Ministry has organized regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) to reach out to the overwhelming majority of our Diaspora. The latter cannot attend the main biannual event in India and benefit from its deliberations for various reasons. This is in reaction to a long-standing and consistent regionally holding similar events. These have received enthusiastic support from the Indian Diaspora and local governments and have proven incredibly successful. Ten RPBDs have been held thus far in various locations throughout the globe. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference.

During the year, in between each biannual event, PBD conferences are held with participation from overseas diaspora professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders. In 2016, ten PBD conferences were held, with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in 2017. In 2017-18, seven PBD Conferences were held, which led to the seven thematic plenary sessions at the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019, from the 21st to the 23rd of January 2019 held in Varanasi. 

Promotion of Diaspora Cultural Ties.

Under the Promotion of Cultural Ties with Diaspora (PCTD) scheme, the Ministry of External Affairs assists the Indian Diaspora in organizing cultural events to showcase Indian culture and new initiatives and advances in modern India. The programme aims to enhance and nourish the cultural ties between India and its Diaspora. The scheme’s intended goal is to strengthen the cultural identity of people of Indian descent. The Ministry provides a grant to the Indian Mission overseas, which subsequently collaborates with Diaspora Associations to organize India-specific activities to enhance the Diaspora’s ties with India. 

Features Of Yojana And Application Procedure.

The PM Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana is a 25-day tour programme. In addition, the NRI Religious Tour Scheme is open to NRI citizens from all around the world. At Hastkala Sankul, the PM also opened 55 outlets that would act as Centres of Excellence. These shops, which resemble a complex, are devoted to the region’s handicrafts.

● This government programme is aimed at the Indian Diaspora.

● A couple of Indian Diasporas would be given a government-sponsored tour of India’s sacred sites under this scheme.

● Religious tours are available to individuals of all faiths.

● This programme is open to people between the ages of 45 and 65.

● The central government is the sole source of funding for this programme. 

Devotees who wish to receive Teerth Darshan First and foremost must register for the scheme. 

1. To do so, go to the scheme’s official website (PTDY). Global Pravasi Rishta Portal Link: https://pravasirishta.gov.in/

2. For Registrations, Visit: https://pravasirishta.gov.in/userreg 

3. There, you must fill up all of your personal information, including your country, phone number, email address, and password.

4. Now, press the submit button.

5. Make a soft copy of the application form that has been completed.

For additional information on the plans of the Central and State Governments, please visit www.cmhelpline.in. 

Common Terms of Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana.

Mahatma Gandhi, the nation’s father, invented Girmitiya, referring to himself as the first Girmitiya. Girmitiya countries are the countries where these indentured Indian labourers settled. People from Girmitiya countries such as Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica are given priority under the scheme. Indentured labourers from British India were transferred to work on plantations as Girmitiyas, also known as Jahajis. 

The word, ‘Girmit,’ came from an Indian pronunciation of the English word “agreement.” It came from the British Government’s indenture “agreement” with Indian labourers. The agreements outlined the period, of the workers’ stay, in foreign countries and the terms of their return; to the British Raj. In Indian languages, the word Jahaj means a Ship. The following are the advantages of the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana:

● An opportunity for NRIs to learn about their Indian heritage.

● A chance to see India’s cultural richness.

● Tours to chosen religious sites in India are provided free of charge.

● In addition, the government would cover the costs of NRIs’ flight travel from their home country to India.

The government’s scheme will be phased up; in overtime. First, all eligible beneficiaries, who want to take advantage of the free tour, can apply. After that, the government chooses a few applicants for the tour. The priority will be given to NRIs; from the Girmitiya countries of Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica.