Indian Govt. to host conference on the concerns of overseas Indians

Jan 04, 2009 News

The Seventh Paves Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention would be held at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, from January 7 next.

It is being organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, in partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu. PBD Conventions provide a platform for exchange of views and networking to the Persons of Indian Origin on matters of common interest.

These conventions assist the Government of India to better understand the expectations of the overseas Indians from the land of their ancestors, and to acknowledge their role in India’s all-round development and its efforts to acquire its rightful place in the comity of nations.

It was explained that the formation of a separate Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in 2004 is a testimony to the importance attached by the Government of India towards the wellbeing of the persons of Indian origin and their close affinity with India.

Decisions taken by the Indian Government, as a result of wider consultations held at such Conventions, include formulation of the Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme, establishment of Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre, conceptualisation of a PIO University, formation of Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin, and setting up of an India Development Foundation.

Programmes, for example, Know India Programme and Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children, are designed specifically for Diaspora youth.

The PBD Convention is expected to focus on issues of interest to overseas Indians, and their role in India’s emergence as a global power.

Topics for discussion include “Indian Diaspora: Preservation of Language and Culture”, “Health Concerns of Indian Diaspora”, “Role of Diaspora Youth in the 21st Century India”, and “India As An Emerging Power: The Diaspora Factor”.

The forum is also slated to hold sessions on Trade and Industry, Culture and Entertainment, Education and Philanthropy. State governments will also be informed on need for having a response mechanism for the Indian Diaspora.