Kochi to host Pravasi Bhratiya Divas

The 11th edition of Pravasi Bhratiya Divas (PBD) will be held in Kochi during January 7-9. Prime minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the event at Hotel Le-Meridian on January 8. The President of India will deliver the valedictory address on January 9.

A large number of central ministers, including external affairs minister Salman Khurshid and overseas indian affairs minister Vayalar Ravi, will also participate.

The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa. PBD 2013 is being conducted in partnership with the Kerala government.

The theme of the convention is ‘Engaging Diaspora: The Indian growth story’. 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 country is celebrating the centenary of the Gadar Movement in 2013, the PBD Oration this time will be on the Gadar Movement.

The event will also have an exhibition on the Gadar Movement.

It is expected that PBD will see around 2,500 delegates.