PBD'08 will engage Diaspora at every level: Vayalar Ravi / Prime Minister of India to inaugurate / Mauritius PM is Chief Guest / Overseas Workers Resource Center (OWRC) to be launched

"We want to engage the diaspora at every level through the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas," stated Mr Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs. He was addressing a curtain-raiser press conference for the 6^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, jointly organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Confederation of Indian Industry, to be held in New Delhi from 7-9 January 2008. The theme of the convention is 'Engaging the Diaspora: the way forward'.

Education and healthcare are major agendas of the Government, especially for rural areas, continued the Minister. The PBD will project these social issues and enable overseas Indians to express their ideas and ways of possible participation. A single window system will allow concrete participation from persons of Indian origin and non-resident Indians with the block level as the basic unit for philanthropy and investment. While thousands of NRIs are working today in the social space, more organized efforts are needed and the single window system will provide this, said Mr Ravi.

Other issues that will be addressed during the conference are women empowerment through microfinance and child welfare. Investments and business engagement sessions are also part of the program, briefed the Minister. As the issues of overseas Indians differ from region to region, working sessions for Gulf, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and Americas will be held. Mr Ravi also stressed that the problems of women's marriages to NRIs will be addressed. Chief Ministers of five states have confirmed participation so that they can present their development opportunities to NRIs.

"I believe this PBD will give NRIs the opportunity to become a partner and participate for rural areas in India," the Minister concluded.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the annual flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The 6^th PBD will focus on development of the common man and rural women. The Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, will inaugurate the convention, and it will culminate with valedictory address and conferment of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by President of India. The Chief Guest is Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius.

Twelve Union Ministers and six Ministers from overseas will take part in the proceedings. Among the luminaries addressing the convention are Thomas Abraham, Chairman, GOPIO Inc, USA; Dato Seri Samy Vellu, Cabinet Minister of Works and President, Malaysian Indian Congress; Madan Murlidhar Dulloo, Foreign Minister, Mauritius, Lord Karan Billimoria, CBE, Founder & Chairman, Cobra Beer Ltd, UK; and Vijay Eswaran, Group Managing Director, Qi Group, Hong Kong.

The Prime Minister is expected to launch the Overseas Workers Resource Center (OWRC), a helpline for emigrant workers, and announce measures for the welfare of NRIs. Key initiatives of the PBD include the Marketplace by the Overseas Indian Facilitation Center for business promotion, and exhibitions by 17 states and 50 private exhibitors.

Key Plenary sessions are on social development challenges of health and education, investment and infrastructure, trade and business opportunities, partnerships with states, and diaspora philanthropy. Working sessions will be held on the knowledge economy, culture, and women empowerment and leadership as well. Social areas and issues will be the primary focus of the convention.

Over 1000 delegates from 43 countries are expected to attend the convention.

4^th January 2008
New Delhi