PRAVASI BHARTIYA KENDRA (PBK)

The Indian Diaspora constitutes a significant economic, social and cultural force in the world today. Overseas Indians estimated at over 28 million are spread across the world. Their industry, enterprise, education, expertise and economic success are widely recognized.   

A High Level Committee on Indian Diaspora, headed by Shri L. M. Singhvi, had recommended in January 2002 that the Government must renew and strengthen linkages of overseas Indians to their place of origin and with each other.  The committee recommended that a Pravasi Bharatiya Bhavan should be set up to emerge as the focal point for networking between India and its overseas Indian community; and as a suitable place which would commemorate the trials, tribulations, the evolution and achievements of the Indian Diaspora  

Taking this recommendation forward in January 2004, at the second Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) organized in Delhi, then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced that the Government will set up the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra in New Delhi.    

The Foundation Stone of the Kendra was laid by the then P.M. Dr. Manmohan Singh at 9th PBD in January, 2011.  Ground Breaking was done by then Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs on 28.04.2011 and construction started in April, 2013. Contract for construction of PBK was awarded to National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) on turnkey basis.   

Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 2 October 2016. It is located at the heart of the Capital in Plots No.15A, 15B and 15D, Dr. Rizal Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. It is a tribute to the overseas Indian community; and commemorates their migration to various parts of the world, the challenges they faced abroad, their achievements and contributions. PBK has now developed into a sought-after venue for major events taking place in Delhi.

Over time, the Kendra is expected to develop into a hub of activities for sustainable, symbiotic and mutually rewarding economic, social and cultural engagement between India and its Diaspora.  Activities, seminars, events, workshops pertaining to the Indian Diaspora are expected to be organized in PBK.

Various facilities available at PBK include the following:

• An auditorium (capacity of over 300 persons, the main venue of HOMs deliberations),
• Conference rooms (with different dimensions that can accommodate from 20 to 35 persons),
• Class rooms  that can be used for training sessions/workshops, a Banquet Hall having aesthetically elegant interior d