New Delhi, Jan. 4 : We want to engage the (Indian) diaspora at every level through Pravasi Bharatiya Divas,” stated Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs.

The 6th 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 President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will deliver the valedictory address and confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam will be the chief guest.

Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference for the 6th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which is jointly being organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the Delhi Government and the Confederation of Indian Industry from January 7 to 9, Ravi said the theme of the convention would be "Engaging The Diaspora: The Way Forward".

Education and healthcare are major agendas of the Government, especially for rural areas, Ravi said.

"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," he added.

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. As the issues of overseas Indians differ from region to region, working sessions for Gulf, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, and Americas will be held.

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,” he concluded.

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 and 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. (ANI)