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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, have been participating in political process and have 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.
PBD 2013 is being conducted in partnership with the Government of Kerala. The state has been chosen as the host for the Convention since Keralites constitute one of the largest expatriate communities of India.
The 11th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held in Kochi, Kerala from January 7 to 9, 2013. The theme of the Convention is ‘Engaging Diaspora: The Indian Growth Story’. 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 January 9.
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 special sessions on ‘NRIs in the Gulf.’ Since the centenary of the Gadar Movement is in the year 2013, the PBD Oration this time will be on the Gadar Movement.
There will cultural evenings on all three evenings. The one on January 7 will be hosted by the ICCR, followed by dinner hosted by Hon’ble Minister for External Affairs, Mr Salman Khurshid. The one on January 8 will be hosted by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr Oommen Chandy. The one of January 9 will be hosted by the Hon’ble Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr Vayalar
Ravi.
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