January 9 is observed as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in India and marks key global milestones, including Mahatma Gandhi’s return in 1915, the iPhone launch in 2007, and major historical events worldwide
New Delhi: January 9 holds special significance in India as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day), while also marking pivotal moments in world history that changed politics, technology, and human rights forever.
What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
On January 9, 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa after spending 21 transformative years abroad. During his time in South Africa, Gandhi developed the philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance), which would later become the cornerstone of India’s independence movement.
Since 2003, the Government of India has observed Pravasi Bharatiya Divas annually on January 9 to:
- Honor the contributions of overseas Indians to India’s development
- Strengthen ties between India and its diaspora
- Recognize the economic, cultural, and intellectual impact of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Celebrate India’s growing global influence through its 32+ million diaspora members
The day features conferences, awards, and cultural programs that bring together Indians from around the world.
Famous Indian personalities born on January 9
Har Gobind Khorana (1922)
Har Gobind Khorana was a Nobel Prize–winning scientist who made groundbreaking contributions to genetics. Born in Punjab, he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1968 for his research on how genes control protein synthesis.
Sunderlal Bahuguna (1927)
Sunderlal Bahuguna was a renowned environmentalist and a key leader of the Chipko Movement. He dedicated his life to forest conservation, and the Chipko Andolan (hug-the-trees movement) became a global symbol of grassroots environmental activism.
Historical events on January 9
Battle of Barari Ghat (1760)
A significant military engagement during the declining years of Mughal power in India, this battle shaped regional politics in 18th-century Bihar.
Global Historical Events That Happened on January 9
Joan of Arc’s Trial Begins (1431)
On January 9, 1431, the trial of Joan of Arc began in Rouen, France. The teenage French leader who played a key role in the Hundred Years’ War faced charges of heresy. The trial ended in her execution and, centuries later, her canonization.
American Civil War Flashpoint (1861)
On this day, Confederate forces fired on the Union ship Star of the West, marking one of the earliest armed confrontations leading up to the American Civil War.
Also read: Planning to Buy iPhone 17 Pro Max? Check This Deal Before You Pay Full Price
iPhone Launch Changes Technology Forever (2007)
On January 9, 2007, Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone at the Macworld Conference. The device combined a phone, music player, and internet browser into a single touchscreen product, redefining the global smartphone industry.
Quick facts about January 9
- In India: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day)
- Global theme: Innovation, freedom movements, and historical change
- Notable birthdays: Har Gobind Khorana, Sunderlal Bahuguna
- Historic events: Gandhi’s return to India (1915), iPhone launch (2007), Joan of Arc trial (1431)
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