PRESS RELEASE Engaging the Diaspora: The Way Forward The 8th edition of the flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), Government of India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention would be held at the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi from January 7- 9, 2010. The Convention is being organized by MOIA, in partnership with the Government of NCT of Delhi. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) would be the institutional partner. The 8th PBD has been structured this time around to provide delegates an opportunity to interact with: 1. Cabinet Ministers from India on matters of interest and concern to them. 2. PIO Ministers/dignitaries from other countries on the expectations and aspirations of the overseas Indian community from the land of their ancestors and how they could work towards strengthening the relationship between India and the country of their residence. 3. Chief Ministers on issues their States need to attend on priority and facilities and incentives available in their States for the overseas Indian community. The convention will have four concurrent sessions on: 1. Returning to 9% Growth : Diaspora Connect 2. Leveraging Knowledge Network : Global INK 3. Thousands of Firefiles : Diaspora Philanthropy 4. Cross Cultural Relations and Diaspora Women PBD-2010 will also see the launching of an annual lecture series under the overarching theme of ‘India and its Diaspora: Everlasting Bonds of Togetherness’. Also on the cards are seminars on ‘Nano-Technology’ and ‘property-related issues’ of NRIs/PIOs and a Golf Tournament, The convention will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India on 8th January 2010. The President of India will deliver the valedictory address on 9th January 2010 and would confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards for 2010. These conventions provide the largest platform to PIOs and NRIs for exchange of views and networking on matters of common interest. Online registration and further details are available on the website www.pbdindia.org. *************** Kuwait December 3, 2009 _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live Hotmail: Your friends can get your Facebook updates, right from Hotmail®. http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/windows/windowslive/see-it-in-action/social-network-basics.aspx?ocid=PID23461::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-xm:SI_SB_4:092009