The ninth edition of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) is being held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, from 7-9th January, 2011. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the event on 8th followed by the valedictory address by President on 9th.

The Chief Guest is the Governor General of New Zealand, Sir Anand Satyanand.

The flagship annual event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) also brought good news for North Eastern states. This year the event has ministry of Development of North Eastern states of India (DoNEAR) as a partner of the event. Confederation of Indian Industry is the institutional partner.

A special session focusing on the North East is being held on 7th January. A plenary session ‘Investment opportunities in North Eastern Region’ will be organized on 8th January, 2011.

“We are presenting North East as a hot destination of tourism. North East states are part of India and they should feel that they are in main stream” said Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs.

Minister also asserted that now a day’s many people from North East are moving to different parts of Indian and working. It’s the time that they should get the opportunity to go abroad and become the ambassadors of their vast and rich culture.

Government of India is working hard to develop the North East as the major tourist destination. Partnering DoNEAR in PBD is one such attempt. The efforts are being made to lure NRI’s to visit to these eight states.
This event is also being used as a platform to show the international community that North East is peaceful and lucrative destination to invest. The notion of militancy, law and order are not well placed.

During the event the Chief Ministers from all eight states of North East will have separate sessions with the delegates. Here they will invite them to visit and invest in their respective states. Interaction with NRI’s will help North East states in getting new ideas to promote what they have.

Jayati Chandra, Secretary, ministry of DoNEAR said “We are looking for emotional investment and monetary investment. We want people to come and see the scenic beauty and experience the diverse culture of North East. Once they visit, I am sure they will like to come again and also make financial investments.

She also added that interacting with Pravasi Bharatiyas will give inspiration to young children from NE to look for opportunities. North East people are quick learner, adaptable and very adventurous. Now what they need is opportunity and this is what we are hoping from this event.

The OIA ministry is expecting enthusiastic participation from over 1300 delegates from overseas Indian community spread across the globe.

The event will have cultural evenings showcasing the cultural vibrancy of Indian in general and North East in particular.

 

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