In an attempt to make Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) interactions more meaningful, the Government has decided to change its format from next year. From 2016 onwards, the mega PBD gathering will become a bi-annual affair. However, every alternate year a group of academicians and experts will be called to India around same dates of PBD (January 8-10) to discuss issues concerning NRIs/PIOs and engaging Indian diaspora with country's flagship programmes. PBD is celebrated on January 9 every year to mark return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa.
Besides, the Government will hold one Regional PBD and two 'mini' Regional PBDs annually in countries having presence of Indian diaspora. The Regional PBD in 2016 will be held in los Angeles while the venues for mini regional PBDs are yet to be decided.
In January 2016, around 150 overseas delegates will be invited to discuss and advise the Government on the flagship programmes such as Make in India, Digital India, Swachchh Bharat and Namami Ganga. The Government is also keen to have discussion on issues pertaining to Indian workers and diaspora in other countries. Hence, in January a discussion will held to know about the problems faced by Indian workers in Gulf countries.
Earlier, PBD conferences had no in-depth and extensive discussions on issues. It was more of festivities and fair gathering, “which is why this time we have decided to have one PBD for festivities and another for academic work. Unlike the traditional PBD conference, where one can participate after registering, this time the event will be only on the basis of invitation,” said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who also holds the charge of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOA).
The conference under the new format will also have five plenary sessions. “A report of whatever is discussed will be presented to the Government, which will by next PBD come out with details of action taken,” Swaraj said.
Beginning this year, the Indian Government will also conduct a quiz contest called “Know India” to engage young Indian diaspora.
The finalists will be called to New Delhi and after the final round they will be sent for a tour to see India.