The Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) convention in London which takes place from October 16 to 18, 2014, is now sold out.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has been celebrated in India on January 9th each year since 2003, to mark the contributions of the overseas Indian community in the development of India. Next year it will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
This convention abroad, organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, is not only for the Indian community, but for all persons who are interested in plugging into India’s growing relationship with the UK and Europe. Over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend.
On 16th October, Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) will organise ‘Diaspora Engagement Meet’, in association with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), the High Commission of India, London and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The business discussions will focus on following sectors such as: Infrastructure development in India, Energy distribution generation & Renewable energy, Opportunities for investors and Opportunities in skill development. Joining for this, will be Senior Government of India officials such as: Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Secretary, Industry and Secretary, Ministry of Renewables, Senior representatives of the government from Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Senior officials from Metro Rail, Clean Ganga project and senior representatives of the Governments of Punjab, Kerala and Bihar.
Senior industry leaders from India include, Mr Deep Kapuria, Chairman CII MSME Council; Mr Sunil Wadhwa, CEO IL&FS Energy Development Co; Mr Kanwar Vivek, Senior President Yes Bank; Mr Kapil Dev Arora, Vice President, Kotak Mahindra Bank and senior representatives from LIC and SBI.
Among the projects to be discussed will be: Projects on Skills development, Renewable Energy projects, Mumbai -Bengaluru Economic Corridor/ Chennai – Bengaluru Industrial Corridor & other industrial corridors, Metro rail in India and Clean Ganga project.
On 17th and 18th session topics will widely include:
· Role and contribution of Indian Diaspora to the British/European societies and economies
· How can the Diaspora and the Government of India leverage each other’s strengths to mutual benefit in the framework of India-UK strategic partnership?
· ICT and Financial services, Investments in India: The way forward, Role of social media and youth in promoting Diaspora’s links with India
· Opportunities and challenges in India-UK collaboration in trade and investments, including in third countries
· NRI/PIO businesses in European countries: Achievements and constraints
· Scope and potential of Diaspora’s engagement in Education, Research and Innovation in India
· Issues of concern to Indian Diaspora and possible solutions (ii) Role and contribution of Diaspora’s cultural identity in promoting people-to-people contacts.
Speakers will include prominent dignitaries from the UK and India, prominent members of the Indian community, British and Indian business representatives, academics and media persons. On 17th October, it will also be attended by Indian Minister of External Affairs, Mrs Sushma Swaraj.
That day will conclude with the Diaspora Reception in the evening, that is privately hosted by Her Majesty’s Government in the Foreign Office Durbar Court to celebrate the UK’s Indian Diaspora. This is a special invite only event and has no direct organisational connection with the 3- day RPBD event.
The inaugural Dadabhai Naoroji Awards will be presented at this Reception. Launched by the Deputy Prime Minister during his recent visit to India, the Awards are to celebrate the work of individuals who have furthered UK-India relations in culture, commerce or education.
On 18th the RPBD will conclude with a gala dinner, that will be open to all members registered and attending the 3- day convention.
For more details see: http://rpbdlondon2014.co.uk
