| Conference |
Engaging the Diaspora: The Way Forward
7-9 January 2010: Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi
PROGRAMME (As on 12.01.2010)
Venue for the Convention : Vigyan Bhawan
Venue for the Exhibition : Lawns behind Vigyan Bhawan
Venue for Cultural Shows and Dinners : 7th & 9th Jan - Darbar Hall, Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi 8th Jan – Delhi CM’s residence |
| DAY 1 : 7th January, 2010 |
| TIME |
EVENT |
VENUE |
| 1000-1600 hrs |
Seminar on Nanotechnology |
Vigyan Bhawan |
| 1000-1530 hrs |
Seminar on Property-related issues of Overseas Indians |
Vigyan Bhawan |
| 1700-1900 hrs |
Meeting of the Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council |
Prime Minister’s Residence |
| 1900-2000 hrs |
Cultural Programme by ICCR |
Durbar Hall. Taj Palace Hotel |
2000-2130 hrs |
Dinner by EAM |
Raja-Rani Gardens
Taj Palace Hotel |
|
| DAY 2 : 8th January, 2010 |
| TIME |
EVENT |
VENUE |
| 0930-1015 hrs |
Inagural Session |
Vigyan Bhawan |
| 1115-1300 |
Plenary Session-I |
Vigyan Bhawan |
| 1430-1600 hrs |
Plenary Session-II |
Vigyan Bhawan |
1630-1730 hrs |
Lecture by Prof. Jagdish Bhagwati |
Vigyan Bhawan |
1900-2000 hrs |
Medley of Folk Dances |
Residence of CM of Delhi |
2000-2130 hrs |
Dinner by CM of Delhi |
Residence of CM of Delhi |
|
| DAY 3 : 9th January, 2010 |
0930-1130 hrs |
Plenary-III |
Vigyan Bhawan |
1200-1300 hrs |
Individual State Sessions |
Vigyan Bhawan |
1430-1600 hrs |
Parallel Session |
Vigyan Bhawan |
1700-1800 hrs |
Valedictory Session |
Vigyan Bhawan |
1900-2030 hrs |
Maya Ravan, Dance Drama |
Durbar Hall. Taj Palace Hotel |
2030hrs- |
Dinner by Minister for
Overseas Indian Affairs |
Raja-Rani Gardens
Taj Palace Hotel |
|
| Thursday, 7th January 2010 |
[Pre-Convention Events]
| 1000-1700 hrs |
Seminar on Nano-Technology |
| 1000-1430 hrs |
Seminar on Property-related issues of overseas Indian community |
| 1900-2000 hrs |
Cultural Programme by Indian Council for Cultural Relations |
| 2000-2130 hrs |
Dinner by Ministry of External Affairs |
|
| Friday, 8th January 2010 |
| 0920 hrs |
PM Arrives |
0930-1015 hrs
(Main Hall) |
Inaugural Session |
| Lighting of the Lamp |
|
| Welcome Address |
Dr A. Didar Singh
Secretary
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs |
| Address |
Mr Vayalar Ravi
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs |
| Address |
Mrs Sheila Dikshit
Chief Minister
Government of NCT of Delhi |
| Address by the Chief Guest |
Lord Khalid Hameed CBE DL Hampstead |
| Inaugural Address |
Dr. Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India |
| Vote of Thanks |
Mr Venu Srinivasan
President
Confederation of Indian Industry |
1020 – 1115 hrs Tea/Coffee Break
1115-1300 hrs
(Main Hall)
|
PLENARY I
Interaction with Union Ministers : Diaspora – Role and Expectations
Overseas Indians, with their attributes of hard work, adaptation, and high achievements, play a special role in their country of origin and country of residence. At the same time, they expect their mother country to play a significant role in their lives. How can the Diaspora help India in its quest for globalization? What roles can Overseas Indians play in their host countries to engage deeper with India? How can India identify their expectations and live up to their aspirations? This session will discuss ways that the three-way interaction of Diaspora, host country and mother country can meet the objectives of all stakeholders. |
| Keynote Address |
Mr Pranab Mukherjee
Minister for Finance |
| Moderator |
Mr Vayalar Ravi
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs |
| Address by Ministers for : |
Mr M Veerappa Moily
Minister of Law and Justice
Mr Kamal Nath
Minister of Road Transport & Highways
Mr Sam Pitroda
Adviser to prime Minister of India. |
| 1300 -1430 hrs Lunch by President, CII |
| 1430-1600 hrs (Main Hall) |
PLENARY II
Interaction with PIO Ministers and Dignitaries : Diaspora – Interest and Concerns
The vast majority of overseas Indians have very limited interaction with India, as they belong to fourth or fifth generations of emigrants. Their knowledge about India is tenuous and while they may aspire to connect with their roots, they face legitimate challenges in doing so. Other members of the diaspora may have active engagement with India but may find themselves unable to effectively meet their objectives. Which fields in cultural, educational, economic and other spheres of India are of interest to Overseas Indians? What are the challenges faced by them in interacting with India? How can India resolve them? The session will identify specific areas of concern and suggest concrete solutions |
Keynote Address |
Mr S M Krishna
Minister for External Affairs |
Guest of Honour-1 |
Mr Anand Sharma
Minister for Commerce & industry |
Guest of Honour-2 |
Dato Seri S Samy Vellu
President
Malaysian National Congress
Malaysia |
|
|
Address by PIO Ministers/ Dignitaries from: |
Mr Harinder Takhar
Minister for Government Services
CanadaSenator
Dr Lenny K Saith
Minister in the Office of Prime MinisterTrinidad &Tobago
Dr S Subramaniam
Minister for Human Resources
Malaysia
Mr Vivian Balakrishnan
Minister for Community Development & Sports Singapore
Mr Mahendra P Chaudhary
Secretary General
Fiji Labour Party
Fiji
Mr Vasant K Bunwaree
Minister for Education, Culture & HR
Mauritius
Mr Ravigasen Ranganathan Pillay
Member of Kwazulu Natal Legislature &
ANC Chief Whip Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Legislatue
South Africa |
1600 – 1630 hrs Tea/Coffee Break |
1630 – 1730 hrs (Main Hall) |
Distinguished Global Indian Oration-Series : The Role of The Diaspora
One of the world’s most influential policy intellectuals, Prof Jagdish Bhagwati presents the first of PBD’s Distinguished Global Indian Oration Series. Among the foremost international trade economists of his generation, Professor Bhagwati has contributed significantly to migration and immigration policy, using insights from economics, ethics and politics in addressing questions raised by international migration. |
|
Oration Prof Jagdish Bhagwati
University Professor
Columbia University
Chair Mr T.K.A. Nair
Principal Secretary to PM |
1800 hrs |
Delegates to depart from Vigyan Bhawan to Delhi Chief Minister’s Residence |
1900-2000 hrs |
Cultural Programme by Government of NCT of Delhi at CMs residence. |
2000-2130 hrs |
Dinner by Chief Minister of NCT of Delhi at CM’s residence. |
|
|
Saturday, 09 January 2010
0930-1130 hrs (Main Hall) |
PLENARY III: Session with Chief Ministers: Skills Development
India needs to skill 500 million workers in the next two decades if it is to leverage its demographic dividend and ensure inclusive growth for its citizens. Education and skill development are at the center of philanthropic activities carried out by Overseas Indians in India. Under India’s federal system, education lies in the policy domain of state governments. What partnerships can be instituted between Overseas Indians and state governments to set up a skill development infrastructure? What best practices can Pravasis bring to states? This session examines some of the issues in education and skill development at the state level. |
Guest of Honour |
Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad
Minister for Health & Family Welfare |
Moderator |
Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission |
Address |
Mr Vayalar Ravi
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs |
Address by Chief Ministers of :
|
Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab |
1130-1200 hrs |
Tea / Coffee Break |
1200 – 1315 hrs : Parallel State Sessions Orissa – 1st Floor Lounge
Karnataka – Hall No.2
J & K – Hall No. 3
Madhya Pradesh – Hall No. 4
Gujarat – Hall No. 5
Maharashtra – Hall No. 6
Kerala – Main Hall
Bihar – Annexe Room A
Punjab – Annexe Room B
Rajasthan – Annexe Room C
Tamil Nadu – Annexe Room D |
1315-1430 hrs : Lunch by Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion |
1430 – 1600 hrs: Concurrent Sessions
|
Concurrent Session – I: Returning to 9% Growth: Diaspora Connect - Hall No. 6
With an average GDP growth rate of 8.8% over five years, India grabbed the attention of world businesses and emerged as the next big destination. Following the global economic slowdown, reprising the 9% GDP growth trajectory could strengthen the two-way bond of India and its diaspora, as diaspora engagement can both assist with and benefit from it. Overseas Indians can participate through trade exchanges, investments or other means. What are the sectors of opportunity? How can Overseas Indians connect with India’s mission-mode drive to build infrastructure? Panelists will explore and illuminate some of the economic opportunities that a rapidly-growing Indian economy offers |
Chair Lord Meghnad Desai
Economist & Member of House of Lords, UK |
Guest of Honour Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo
Minister for Public Infrastructure, Local Transport and shipping
Mauritius
|
Moderator Mr Chandrajit Banerjee
Director General
Confederation of Indian Industry |
Panelists Lord Karan F. Billimoria
CBE
Chelsea
Mr Pratip Chaudhruri
Deputy Managing Director
State Bank of India
Mr Brian Hayes
National Chairman
Australia India Business Council
Australia
Shri Vijay Iyenger
Chairman
Singapore India Chamber of Commerce & Industry
|
1430 – 1600 hrs: Concurrent Sessions
|
Concurrent Session – II : Leveraging Knowledge Networks: Global-Ink – Hall No. 2
The flow of knowledge, expertise and ideas between India and overseas Indians is yet another example of the symbiotic two-way relationship that extends in both directions. As a section of the diaspora consists of highly educated and experienced persons who are at the forefront of their respective fields, India can gain much from their involvement. At the same time, India’s reputed universities and schools have much to offer overseas Indians who are looking for affordable quality higher education and professional skills. To bring together all the ideas and to share learning, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs launched the Global India Network for Knowledge or Global-INK as a single platform for interaction of overseas Indians located across the globe as well as to facilitate their participation in India’s development efforts. This session will look at the future direction of Global-INK. |
Presentation on Global-Ink Mr M V P Kasi Rao
Member of Steering group
|
Moderator Mr Tanmoy Chakraborty
Vice President-Operations, TCS |
Panelists Prof. Dasarath Chetty
University of Kwa Zulu Natal
Durban , SA
Prof Prem Misir
Pro-Chancellor of the University
Guyana
Ms Renu Khator
Chancellor and UH President
University of Houston
Dr Hemant Patel
President
Indian American Committee
USA
|
1430 – 1600 hrs: Concurrent Sessions
|
Concurrent Session – III :Thousands of Fireflies: Diaspora Philanthropy- Hall No. 5
Given that the overseas Indian community represents a wealth base of $400 billion, there is high scope in channelizing philanthropy to the maximum benefit of donor and receiving communities. Successful overseas Indians are keen to share their funds and ideas with the people they left behind. But often they do not know how this can be done. India Development Foundation for Overseas Indians is set up as a ‘not for profit’ trust to ensure a transparent process of philanthropic capital flow into various social causes and facilitate partnerships. In this session, speakers will share examples of diaspora philanthropy and address issues of concern. |
Chair Mr Jaipal Reddy
Minister for Urban Development |
Guest of Honour Shri Maurits Safdar Hassankhan
Minister for Interior
Suriname |
Panelists Ms Ruby Dhalla
Member of Parliament
Canada
Mr Mani Lal Bhaumik
Physicist
Northrop Corporation Research and
Technology Centre
USA
Mr Rajinder Paul Loomba
Executive Chairman
Rinku Group Ltd
United Kingdom
Dr Sudhir Parikh
Publisher, India Advocate, Philanthropist &
Physician
USA |
1430 – 1600 hrs: Concurrent Sessions
|
Concurrent Session – IV: Diaspora Women in Cross-Cultural Environments- Hall No. 3
PIO women are among the most productive and high-achieving sections of their respective economies. As entrepreneurs, academicians, politicians, and professionals, many of them have earned top spots in their fields, and are leaders of their communities. The overseas Indian woman can truly be a ‘change agent’. Yet, it has been estimated that about one in four overseas Indian women face some kind of abuse, physical, mental, or societal, in their lives. What measures can India take to protect its women overseas? Can diaspora women help their sisters in pain? The session reflects on the conditions facing overseas Indian women, aiming at reinforcing current initiatives.
|
Chief Guest Ms Krishna Tirath
Minister of State for Women & Child Development
|
Guest of Honour Ms. Preneet Kaur
Minister of State for External Affairs |
Moderator Ms Girija Vyas
National Commission for Women |
Panelists Ms Ela Gandhi
Chancellor
Durban University of Technology
South Africa
Baroness Sandip Verma
Shadow Minister for Education &
Opposition Whip in the House of Lords
United Kingdom
|
1430 – 1600 hrs: Concurrent Sessions
|
Concurrent Session – V : Indians & the Gulf : Gulf Session – Hall No. 4
About 5 million Indians are employed in the Gulf region across many sectors. They remit a large chunk of the remittances received by India, the largest recipient in the world, and help sustain local economies in India. The troubles of Dubai highlighted the fragile employment situation of many of them and the conditions of their work. What are the concerns and challenges of Gulf Indians? How can India streamline its emigration processes and help workers in distress? Can they assist in Gulf partnerships with India? The session offers a chance to address the particular issues faced by Indians in the Gulf. |
Chair Mr E. Ahmed
Minister of State for Railways
Ministry of Railways |
Guest of Honour Mr Shashi Tharoor
Minister of State for External Affairs
Ministry of External Affairs |
Panelists Mr Yusuff Ali M.A.(UAE)
Managing Director
EMKE Group
Mr C.K. Menon (Qatar)
Chairman & Managing Director
Behzad Group of Companies
Mr Ravi Pillai (Bahrain)
Managing Director
Nasser S. Al-Hajri Corporation
Mr Mohamed Ali (Oman)
Managing Director
Galfar Engineering & Contracting
Mr Syed M Salahuddin, PBSA
Director
ETA Ascon & Star Group
|
1430 – 1600 hrs: Concurrent Sessions
|
Concurrent Session – VI: Future of PBD : The Road Ahead- Hall No: Annexure A
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has strengthened the dialogue of overseas Indians and India over the years. Suggestions have been translated into concrete actions. An infrastructure of diverse platforms has been established to engage with the Diaspora on different matters of their concern. What still remains to be done? How can the institutional infrastructure be strengthened and made effective? Which are the areas that still need to be addressed? This Concurrent Session will reflect on the achievements of the PBD and elicit ideas for its future. |
Moderator Mr T P Sreenivasan
Former Ambassador |
Panelists Lord Diljit Rana
President
GOPIO International UK
MrAshook Ramsaran
Executive Vice President
GOPIO International
USA
Mr Jean Regis Ramsamy
President
Organisation for Diaspora Institution
Reunion Islands
Mr Rajindre Tewari Director
METRI Group
Netherlands
Mr Inder Singh
Chairman
GOPIO
Mr Mahendra Utchanah
President
GOPIO |
|
|
1700-1800 hrs
( Hall) |
Valedictory Session |
National Anthem |
Welcome Address |
Dr A Didar Singh
Secretary
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs
Government of India |
Address |
Mr Vayalar Ravi
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs |
Presentation of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardsby the President of India |
Acceptance Speech |
Mr Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan
PBS Awardee |
Valedictory Address |
Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil
President of India |
Vote of Thanks |
Mr Venu Srinivasan
President
Confederation of Indian Industry |
National Anthem |
1900-2030 hrs |
Dance Drama in English titled Maya Ravan by Kalarpana
(Choreographed by Ms. Shobana) |
2030 hrs
2100 hrs |
Cocktail Reception hosted by Confederation of Indian Industry
Dinner hosted by Mr Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs |
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