With the announcement of the dates to the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in London over three days from October 16 to 18, 2014, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs of the Government of India has now revealed further details on the programme.
The Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) has been celebrated in India on January 9th each year since 2003 to mark the contributions of the overseas Indian community in the development of India
RPBDs are organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with the collaboration of the host Government, the Indian Mission, Prominent Overseas Indians and Organisations catering to the needs of the Indian Diaspora.
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.
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.
On 17th and 18th October, the major discussions and interactions will take place between 10am-6:30pm, at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC), followed by a reception for the attending guests. On 17Th October the Foreign Commonwealth Office is due to host their annual diaspora reception, where they will also host the Dadabhai Naoroji award, giving away the awards to the winners.
The programme of the event will feature discussions on different aspects of India’s relationship with UK and other countries of Europe, including resources, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, skills and education, languages, women in business and culture.
Speakers at the event will include prominent dignitaries from the UK and India, prominent members of the Indian community, British and Indian business representatives, academics and media persons. Indian Minister for External Affairs, Ms Sushma Swraj is also expected to attend.
The session topics will include:
- Role and contribution of Indian Diaspora to the British/European societies and economies
- How can the Diaspora and the Government of India leverage each other’s strengths to mutual benefit in the framework of India-UK strategic partnership?
- ICT and Financial services(ii) Investments in India: The way forward(iii) Role of social media and youth in promoting Diaspora’s links with India
- Opportunities and challenges in India-UK collaboration in trade and investments, including in third countries
- NRI/PIO businesses in European countries: Achievements and constraints
- Scope and potential of Diaspora’s engagement in Education, Research and Innovation in India
- Issues of concern to Indian Diaspora and possible solutions(ii)Role and contribution of Diaspora’s cultural identity in promoting people-to-people contacts
For more details on programme log on to http://rpbdlondon2014.co.uk/. Registration inclusive of all sessions, including lunches on both days and the gala dinner on 18th will cost you a fee of £75.
