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Dates: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

7th PBD Convention in Chennai(India) from 07-09 January 2009

PBD Singapore from 9-12 October 2008

Engaging the Diaspora: The Way Forward

The 7^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is scheduled to be held at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai from 07-09 January 2009. Organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the State Government of Tamil Nadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), it would be the first PBD Convention organised in Chennai.

PBD Conventions provide a platform for exchange of views and networking to the Persons of Indian Origin settled all over the world on matters of common interest. Such Conventions have helped the Government to better understand the expectations of the Overseas Indian Community from the land of their ancestors and acknowledge the important role played by it In India’s efforts to acquire its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Among the decisions taken by the Government of India as a result of wider consultations held at these Conventions, are formulation of the Overseas Citizenship of India, establishment of Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre, Conceptualisation of PIO University, formation of Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin, and the proposed India Development Foundation. A series of Programmes e.g. Know India Programme and Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children are also designed specifically for Diaspora youth.

Among other things, the 7^th PBD Convention would have sessions on the preservation of Diaspora language and culture and the importance of Diaspora as facilitators and bridge builders. The highlights of PBD 2009 include an Exhibition on Trade & Industry, live demonstrations by craftsmen, cultural evenings and post convention tours.

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

Singapore readying for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

SINGAPORE: The stage is being set for the first-ever Asia-Pacific “Indian Diaspora event.”

India’s annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is seen here as a festive conclave with “a global reach.” The ‘PBD Singapore,’ slated to be held for three days from October 9, will be a regional variant. The objective, according to the organisers, is to promote an event with a difference, which will be in tune with the City State’s efforts to remain “an economic hub” in the Asia-Pacific zone.

The prime mover is the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI). While the Confederation of Indian Industry has joined hands with the SICCI, the governments of Singapore and India have extended “full and active support,” according to Sat Pal Khattar, chairman of the ‘PBD Singapore’ steering committee.

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