Make in India to be a key topic at PBD event: Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj gives details about the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at a press conference in New Delhi yesterday. Also seen Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation V K Singh and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal.

IANS/New Delhi

The government’s key programmes, including Make in India, would be highlighted during the January 7-9 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said yesterday.

Over 3,000 people of Indian origin are expected to attend the event.

The annual PBD is being held in Gandhinagar to mark the centenary of the return of the “sarva sreshtha pravasi Bharatiya” or foremost Indian diaspora member, Mahatma Gandhi, to India from South Africa, said Swaraj who is also minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, said

An exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and his contribution to India’s independence would also be inaugurated besides other events to mark the centenary of Gandhi’s return to India.

South Africa Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has also been invited, but her confirmation is awaited, Swaraj said.

The chief guest of the 13th PBD would be Guyana President Donald Ramotar.

PBD is the world’s largest annual gathering of people of Indian origin aimed at enhancing networking and reinforcing commercial linkages. There are 25mn people of Indian origin residing outside India.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas would be “different” from earlier PBDs, Swaraj said.

The PBD would be hosting some special events, including a special session for the diaspora youth and also four special sessions. These are - to deal with the concerns of Indian expatriates living in the Gulf, for those living in Francophone countries, a session for countries where the descendants of Indian indentured labour live and another session to address concerns of the associations of Indian diaspora, she said.