Pravasi Bharatiya Divas show begins in Bengaluru today

Bengaluru: India’s IT capital is all set to host what is touted as the largest convergence of Indian diaspora, with more than 6,000 delegates from across the world confirming their registration to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention beginning today.

The 14th edition of the three-day PBD event will be held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Center on the city outskirts with an aim to provide a platform to overseas Indians to engage with the Government on issues of concern to the diaspora and to explore opportunities for investment in India and contribution to the country of their origin.

The event also provides an opportunity to the overseas Indians to network with other overseas Indians residing in various parts of the world.

The convention, being held biennially for the first time instead of earlier annual versions, will aim at redefining India’s engagement with its 3.12 crore strong diaspora in diverse spheres, including innovation, start-ups, tourism and education. According to organisers, a total of 6,346 registrations  have been confirmed for PBD 2017 and more than 1500 NRIs and  400 floating NRIs will be a part of the event.

Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas with the key focus on  innovations and start-ups will be held on January 7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the keynote address on January 8 and the same day there is a session where Chief Ministers from eight states are expected to participate. The convention,which will also host cultural programmes with more than 240 artists performing, will see President  Pranab Mukherjee conferring Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards on January 9.

The Indian-origin Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa will be the Chief Guest at the PBD, and 36-year-old Vice-President of Suriname Michael Ashwin Satyandre Adhin will be the Special Guest at the Youth PBD.

PBD 2017 has listed as its objectives defining the engagement with the Indian diaspora, to strengthen diaspora engagement and provide a platform for networking with the diaspora, to recognise their contribution to India and know their expectations and concerns and to deepen engagement with young Diasporas to help them know more about their roots. Massive security and traffic arrangements have been made by the state administration for the smooth conduct of PBD.

The latest wave of economic reforms, including overhaul of indirect taxes through proposed GST will be projected  significantly by the government at the event, that will be attended by a battery of Union Ministers, officials said.