Eleventh Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention begins at Kochi, Kerala
Published Date: Monday, Jan 07, 2013
Eleventh Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention from 7th -9th January 2013 on the theme ‘Engaging diaspora: The Indian growth story’ begins at Kochi. The Prime Minister will inaugurate this flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs on January 8 and the President will deliver the valedictory address on 9 January. There will be pre-PBD seminars on 7th, related to developmental issues such as skill development, pure sciences, tourism, youth and the issues faced by NRIs in the Gulf. Vayalar Ravi said that more than 1500 delegates from all over the world will attend the session. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated every year since 2003 on 9th January to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. January 9 is significant as this was the day Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa in 1915 and led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. He is the person who bridged the India with her diaspora.
PBD conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities. These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.
During the event, individuals of exceptional merit are honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to appreciate their role in India’s growth. The event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora
PBD 2013 is being conducted in partnership with the Government of Kerala. Kerala has been chosen as the host for the Convention since Keralites constitute one of the largest expatriate communities of India. The purpose of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is to have a meaningful interaction with overseas Indians that would address their issues and concerns. Overseas Indians have emerged as important constituents of their adopted countries. They have contributed to transforming the economies, participating in political process and added value to thought and innovation of their destination countries. They also serve to build bridges between their present homeland and the land of their ancestors.
There will be pre-PBD seminars related to development issues such as skill development, pure sciences, tourism, youth and NRIs in the Gulf and plenary sessions on ‘India’s growth: greater opportunities’, ‘Overseas Indians: safe environment’, ‘Engaging young overseas Indians’ and ‘Investment opportunities in States.’