RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3440
TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.03.2021.
PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS CONVENTION
3440. SMT. SHANTA CHHETRI:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the manner in which Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians;
(b) the manner in which the overseas Indians can derive benefits from it;
(c) countries in specific where overseas Indians are most likely to be benifited and how to get practical help on this; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)
(a) The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention (PBD) is the flagship event of the Government, which is held once every two years to reach out and connect to the Indian Diaspora. PBD Convention seeks to engage the Indian diaspora on national development priorities and provide opportunities for their participation. The main convention is preceded by various theme-based conferences on issues related to economy, energy, science & technology, culture, trade & tourism, health, social and other contemporary issues. The panelists on these conferences are prominent experts from Overseas Indians and Indian policymakers. Therefore, these conventions and conferences provide a platform for the overseas Indians to engage with the Government and put forth their views on various policy initiatives of GOI and State Governments. These conventions and conferences provide networking opportunities to various Indians living in different parts of the world. The convention also celebrates the achievements of the eminent diaspora by conferring Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. PBD Convention was held most recently on 9 January, 2021, in virtual format.
(b) The overseas Indians can be part of the pre-PBD conferences/main PBD convention and share their views, concerns and suggestions with the Government through active discussion or by giving feedback. The convention is also a medium to inform and educate the members of diaspora about various initiatives taken by the Government, particularly for the benefit of diaspora. The diaspora youth is encouraged to participate in Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, which is an integral part of celebrations of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The final winners of the Quiz are invited to India on a GOI sponsored tour.
(c) & (d) PBD convention is meant for all overseas Indians. However, during pre-PBD conferences, specific thematic issues are taken up as the subject of interaction or a regional PBD is organized to engage with the diaspora in that region. Recent examples include the PBD Conferences on India-Gulf cooperation, Economic Engagement with Atmanirbhar Bharat, etc. which were held prior to 16th PBD Convention.
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