The website for the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021 will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri. V. Muraleedharan on 08 December 2020, launching the commencement of online registration for participation in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021. In view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the 16th PBD Convention, 2021 will be held in virtual format on January 9, 2021.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is the flagship event of the Government of India and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Diaspora. The theme of PBD 2021 is "Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.

In run up to the 16th PBD Convention, five PBD Conferences are being held virtually in 2020-2021. These are – (i) "Role of Diaspora in Promotion of Indian Culture” on 09 December 2020 from 12:00 -14:00 IST and 19:30-21:30 IST

(ii) "Dialogue with Diaspora Business Leaders & CEOs – Targeting US$ 5 Trillion Aatmanirbhar Bharat Economy by boosting MSMEs” on 10 December 2020 from 17:30 -19:30 IST

(iii) "Regional PBD – GCC- India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference” on 11 December 2020 from 11:30 -13:30 IST and 15:30-17:30 IST

(iv) "Forging Media & Entertainment Partnership to showcase India @75” on 21 December 2020 at 16:00 – 18:00 IST

(v) Youth PBD Conference on "Bringing together India’s Young Achievers & Diaspora Young Achievers from different walks of life” on 08 January 2021 in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

On the forenoon of 09 January, 2021, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. The winners of Bharat ko Janiye Quiz will also be announced in the Inaugural Session. The PBD Convention will include two Plenary Sessions - (i) " Role of Diaspora in Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, and (ii) "Facing Post Covid Challenges - Scenario in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations”. This will be followed by the Valedictory Session where the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards will be announced to honour eminent overseas Indians for their contributions to various fields both in India and abroad. Hon’ble Rashtrapati ji will deliver the Valedictory address to the diaspora.

The PBD convention as well as the preceding PBD Conferences will be streamed live across Ministry’s virtual platforms to enable every Indian and Diaspora member to engage and participate in the PBD Celebrations.