PRESS RELEASE

The 7th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention would be held at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai from January 7-9, 2009. It is being organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India in partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) would be the institutional partner. It would be the first PBD Convention organized in Chennai.

PBD Conventions provide a platform for exchange of views and networking to the Persons of Indian Origin on matters of common interest. These conventions assist the Government of India to better understand the expectations of the Overseas Indians from the land of their ancestors and to acknowledge their role in India's all round development and its efforts to acquire its rightful place in the comity of nations. Formation of a separate Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in 2004 is a testimony to the importance attached by the Government of India towards the well-being of the persons of Indian Origin and their close affinity with India.

Decisions taken by the Government of India as a result of wider consultations held at such Conventions of the Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme, establishment of Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre, conceptualization of a PIO University, formation of Prime Minister's Global Advisory council of People of Indian Origin, and setting up of an India Development Foundation. Programmes e.g. Know India Programme and Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children are designed specifically for Diaspora youth.

The following would be the highlights of the 7th PBD:

  • Focus on issues of interest to Overseas Indians and their role in India's emergence as a global power. Topics for discussion include "Indian Diaspora: Preservation of Language and Culture", "Health concerns of Indian Diaspora", Role of Diaspora Youth in the 21st Century India" and "India As An Emerging Power. The Diaspora Factor".

  • Separate Regional working Sessions on Diaspora in the Gulf, Asia-Pacific, Africa, USA, Europe, Caribbean and Canada.

  • Building the Bridges Sessions on 'Trade & Industry', 'Culture & Entertainment', 'Education' and 'Philanthropy'.

  • Sessions with State governments on "Need for having a response mechanism for the Indian Diaspora".

  • A Trade and Industry Exhibition with participation from Corporate, Financial Institutions, State Governments, NGOs and others.

  • OIFC Market Place.

  • Optional Tour Programmes to Tirupati, Puducherry (Pondicherry), Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) and others.

The Convention would be inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India on January 8, 2009. President of India would deliver the valedictory address on January 9, 2009. The President would also confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards for 2009.

Kuwait
August 25, 2008.

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