BY ASHOK B SHARMA
NEW DELHI: The three-day conclave of Overseas India scheduled at the beginning of 2011 is likely attract young generation. There would be two pre-conference seminars on healthcare and education, topics of interest to Overseas Indians.
The 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas being hosted here from January 7 to 9, 2011 will showcase opportunities for investment in the country’s remote northeastern region. Eight northeastern states – Sikkim, Assam, Tripura. Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya – alongwith the Union ministry of development of north-eastern region, ministry of overseas Indian affairs and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) are the partner organizers of the event.
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The chief guest of the Overseas Indians conclave would be the Governor General of New Zealand, Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand. Sir Satyanand is the first Governor-General of Indian and Pacific ancestry and has had a lengthy career as a lawyer, judge and ombudsman as well as contributing to many community, professional and sporting groups.
The conclave will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and the valedictory address will be delivered by the President Pratibha Devisingh Patil
A mini-Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be hosted in Durban, South Africa from October 1 to 2, 2010.
According to the organizers the conclave would generate $500 billion opportunity in India’s infrastructure development in the next five years. India Community Welfare Fund would be set up in 18 countries. The Bill on voting rights for non-resident Indians (NRIs) has been approved by the Parliament and the franchise to persons of Indian origin will given by the next general elections.
Education has emerged as the key area of interest for Overseas Indians in India. A number of projects have been initiated by overseas individuals and organisations for primary and tertiary education. The proposed legislation of Entry of Foreign Education Provider Bill will further open up new avenues for cooperation in higher education.
The health initiatives by Overseas Indians have also consolidated and gathered pace. This valuable contribution of diaspora extends from primary healthcare to dedicated camps to specialty hospitals. Simultaneously, India too offers competitive and quality healthcare to Overseas Indians under its medical tourism facilities. Aspects of the two-way bond will be surveyed through the seminar.
The Overseas Indians will have the opportunity of interacting with the Union ministers, policymakers and state chief ministers. CK Prahalad Memorial Lecture will be a usual feature.