The President of Mauritius, Shri Rajkeshwur Purryag will be the Chief Guest of the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention, which will be held from 7 to 9 January, 2013 in Kochi. Addressing a press conference here today, Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs said that since the centenary of the Gadar Movement is being celebrated in 2013, the PBD Oration will be on the Gadar Movement and an exhibition on this will also be organized during PBD-2013. He said that PBD has become a significant forum to connect the overseas Indians from all over the world and the PBD-2013 will be focusing on more connectivity with overseas Indians. He further said that Kerala will be the partner State of the 11th PBD, which would provide the Diaspora an opportunity to understand the vibrant culture and potential of the State. Kerala has been chosen as the host for the convention since Keralites constitute one of the largest expatriate communities of India. He expressed the hope that more than 2000 delegates would participate in PBD-2013 from all over the world.
The Minister said that Prime Minister of India will inaugurate this annual flagship event of the Ministry on January 8 and the President of India will deliver the valedictory address on January 9 and also confer the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. In the forthcoming PBD, 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.’ Since the event is being held in Kerala which contributes a sizeable number of persons emigrating to the Gulf region, there will be a special sessions on ‘NRIs in the Gulf.’
Shri Ravi said that 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, he added.
The Minister launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas website and also released a brochure on the occasion. Shri Rajiv Mehrishi, Secretary, MOIA was also present on the occasion.
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