India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: The forthcoming version of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD), the annual forum for the Indian Diaspora, to be held in New Delhi on January 8 and 9, will focus on healthcare, education and empowerment of rural women as major issues.

Making the announcement, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi, said Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius will be the Chief Guest of PBD 2008. "This is especially fortuitous since he is of Indian Origin", said the Minister. Ravi explained that the emphasis of the last five PBDs had been to attract investment from NRIs. But now the interest has shifted to tapping the skills and ideas.

"We won't seek any investment this year. Instead we will look forward to partnerships with NRIs for philanthropic projects," said Vyalar Ravi. In a move to shrug off the country's socialist tag, the ministry of Overseas Affairs has opted for a new label of the "fastest growing free market democracy".

The Government through industry groups like CII, is trying to build the Indian brand value and the PBD is part of that effort. India Brand Equity Foundation has used the jargon as its marketing hurl for investors.

The next edition of the PBD is being organized by Ministry of Overseas Affairs (MOIA) with the institutional partnership of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). It will culminate with a Valedictory address and conferment of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the Rashtrapati on January 9. PBD'08 includes a two day convention featuring diverse themes with eminent speakers; trade and Industry exhibition, business networking and cultural evenings.

Theme of the 6th edition of PBD is 'Engaging the Diaspora: the way forward' with the objective to encourage Overseas Indians to be part of the socio-economic development of India. Responding to a question by India Post regarding Indian women entering fraudulent marriage alliances with NRIs, Ravi said that India has moved application to different countries to adopt International Private Law to bring the non-resident Indians under the Indian jurisdiction.

Netherlands has already put forward the draft for legislative approval, the Minister informed. The Overseas Indian Affairs also had a piece of advice for the girls tying the knot with NRIs. "One should not rush into NRI marriages. Gathering information about his work place and address abroad is significant," Ravi articulated.

Appreciating Indian Industry's contribution, Ravi said that 48,000 of 50,000 Indians, who faced the problem of deportation due to issues with sponsors, were re-employed by Indian companies. He added that India's development initiatives can reach the district level through small contributions of the large Indian Diaspora.

The ambitious 'Health Mission' of the government can also be a key area of contribution by NRIs. CII President Sunil Bharti Mittal, said that the Government and CII have been working together on several issues to connect Indian Diaspora across the world.

The success of Mini PBD at New York with more than 400 significant participants will be reflected in the forthcoming event, he said. The PBD showcases the best opportunities for Indian Diaspora and each PBD raises hopes of NRIs, said Mittal. The involvement of Indian Diaspora should contribute to the Government's focus on inclusive growth, he said.

The high transfer charge of sending money home is a major issue for NRIs who remit $26 billion to India annually, added Mittal. Nirmal Singh, Secretary, MOIA said that more than 2000 delegates are expected to turn-up for the next PBD and the promotion of the event to garner NRI support is underway.

The Chief Ministers of different states will present the opportunities in their respective states to acquire finance for different development projects, added Singh. PBD 2008 will consist of experts both from India and overseas besides representatives from Centre and state Governments.

It will also be a platform for regional sessions for Diaspora thriving in Gulf, Asia - Pacific, Africa, Americas and Europe. In fact the Ministry is keen on offering a host of advisory services to PIOs and NRIs ranging from matters of consular questions to their stay in India.