INDIA’S PINK CITY JAIPUR TO HOST 10TH PRAVASI DIVAS

By P. Vijian

NEW DELHI, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The touristy city of Jaipur will play host to the 10th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), an annual overseas Indian conclave, slated for next January.

Indian Overseas Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said, about 1,500 delegates from across the globe were expected to take part in the three-day event, beginning Jan.

The yearly event offers a platform to a galaxy of overseas Indians to engage in an array of topics -- from health, investment potentials, education to academic.

"The (Indian) government is making efforts to make PBD a more meaningful and interactive event that would address issues and concerns of the overseas Indian community effectively," he told the media.

The 2012 PBD's theme is 'Global Indian-Inclusive Growth' and Rajasthan would be the partner state, where delegates could witness the vibrant culture and potential of the northern state.

An estimated 25 million Indians are staying outside India, the majority in Nepal and the United States, followed by Malaysia.

Two pre-conference seminars, 'Solar Energy-Investment and R&D' and 'Social Entrepreneurship-Water' will be held in Jaipur, popularly known as the 'Pink City', which is the capital of Rajasthan and located about 260km from Delhi.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the event on Jan 8.

The following day, Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will deliver the valedictory address and confer the 'Pravasi Bhartiya Samman' awards.

Ravi, who is also civil aviation minister, said Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar would be the chief guest at the event.
-- BERNAMA