Sunday, Dec 28, 2008
Gulf News
Dubai The plight of Indian expatriates working in the Gulf's construction sector will get special attention at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention to be held at the Chennai Trade Centre in India next January 7-9.
The theme of the annual convention, organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, is "Engaging the diaspora - The way forward". There will be four plenary sessions titled "India as an emerging power: The diaspora factor", "Reflections on the current economic crisis: Diaspora concerns", "Preservation of language and culture of the Indian diaspora" and "Diaspora interaction with the states".
"There will be a lot of reference to the current economic crisis, its impact on India and how it affects people working abroad," said Vayalar Ravi, India's Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs.
The biggest ever persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) event in Chennai is expected to draw over 1,500 delegates from many parts of the world.
Ever since its inception in 2003, this annual convention has been the biggest platform for NRIs and PIOs to engage with the Indian government and people of India in matters of mutual interest and for networking.
These conventions enable the Government of India to better understand the expectations of the overseas Indian community and to acknowledge their role in India's all-round development.
India's Commerce Minister Kamal Nath and prominent economist C.K. Prahalad will be part of a session on the current economic crisis, diaspora concerns and how India can respond to the challenge.
Regional sessions
The event will include separate regional sessions on the Caribbean and Canada and regional sessions on Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Gulf and the US.
There would be building bridges sessions on trade and investment, diaspora philanthropy, diaspora knowledge network, media and entertainment, health for all: role of diaspora, and increased interaction with diaspora women.
According to a communique from the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the convention on January 8.
Trade exhibition
The President of India Pratibha Patil will deliver the valedictory address on January 9. She will also confer the Pravasi Bhar-atiya Samman Awards for 2009.
A special trade and industry exhibition with participation from corporate, financial institutions, state governments, NGOs and others will form part of the event.
The Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) will set up a market place at the venue to facilitate business and investment.
The Vice-President of Surinam, Ramdien Saredjoe, will be the chief guest at the convention.
The Vice-President of Mauritius, Angidi Chettiar, and ministers from Malaysia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa and Canada will also attend.
Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.
