London to host 'Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' next month

London will host its first-ever Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) next month for over three days between October 16 and 18.
This smaller-scale version of the mega PBD held every January in India, is expected to be inaugurated by External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on October 17 at Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, the political hub of the city.
The convention aims to reach out to members of the community unable to participate in the annual RPBD in India.
"The objective is to reach out to those members of the community who have been unable to participate in the annual RPBD in India and to provide a platform for the Indian community in the UK and Europe to contribute to the relationship between countries of the region and India."

"Participation in the event is expected from all regions of the UK and other countries of Europe," said a statement by the Indian High Commission in London today.
"This convention is not only for the Indian community, but for all persons who are interested in plugging into India's growing relationship with the UK and Europe."

Over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend.
"The programme will feature discussions on different aspects of India's relationship with the UK and other countries of Europe, including resources, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, skills and education, languages, women in business and culture," it added.
The event being organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, will feature discussions on topics such as the role and contribution of the Indian Diaspora to the British and European societies and economies, opportunities and challenges in India-UK collaboration in trade and investments, including in third countries.

Discussions will also feature how can the Diaspora and the Indian government can leverage each other's strengths to mutual benefit in the framework of India-UK strategic partnership.
The Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre will be a partner for the divas in the UK and will work with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to work on a good business plan.
The key speakers and guests expected at the event are yet to be formalised but likely to include leading figures from the Indian diaspora across the UK and Europe as well as leading political figures from both Britain and India.