1.      Overseas Indians today number about 25 million people and are to be found in 110 countries. They have emerged as vibrant communities and are a significant economic, social and cultural force in their respective countries. Recognising these strengths, the Govt. of India has endeavored to engage with people of Indian origin all over the world. The establishment of a Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in 2004 and celebration of an annual Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) are key endeavors in this engagement.

2.      The objective of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) is economic, social and cultural engagement between India and people of Indian origin based overseas in a partnership mode that best meets the diverse needs of both sides. Taking into account the different social-economic profiles and varying histories of overseas Indians, the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas includes regional sessions to highlight challenges and opportunities faced by them in different parts of the world. To encourage and intensify their contacts with their places of origin, States of India are also invited to the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to connect directly with overseas Indians. Apart from intensive deliberations on issues concerning overseas Indians at plenary, concurrent and working sessions during the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, vibrant cultural performances from top Indian artists are organized to showcase Indian cultural trends.

3.      The institution of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and an Overseas Indian Facilitation Center under the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs are two important initiatives in encouraging the involvement and interaction of overseas Indians with the mother country. Besides this, Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards are presented to outstanding achievers from the overseas community at each annual Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, to signal India’s recognition of their achievements. Some of the other initiatives launched over the last few years to deepen this engagement are (i) Setting up of the Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin (ii) Launch of India Development Foundation (iii) Inauguration of a website for Global Indian Network for Knowledge (Global-INK) (iv) E-Governance project to facilitate migration of workers (v) PIO University (vi) Permission for professionals holding OCI cards to practice in India and (vii) release of manuals on FDI and Taxation procedures in India.

4.      The Eighth edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi from Jan.7-9, 2010. This annual flagship event will be inaugurated by Shri Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India on 8th Jan.2010. Smt. Pratibha Patil, President of India will deliver the valedictory address on 9th Jan. and confer the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. The Ministry of Overseas Affairs will inaugurate an Oration Series and hold Seminars on important areas like Nano Technology and property related issues of the Overseas Indian community during the forthcoming event.

5.      More details on the event can be accessed at www.pbdindia.org.