All the chief ministers from the northeast states have confirmed that will be attending the 9th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said on Wednesday.
The three-day annual flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is set to kick off on January 7.
Inspite of finding itself in a storm of scandals and scams, the United Progressive Alliance government is all set to welcome over 1,500 delegates of the Indian Diaspora from across the world.
The minister told rediff.com, "If anything, the participation is more enthusiastic this time. Without putting in much effort, 1,300 delegates have already registered themselves with us. The various (damaging) media reports have not affected the number of people attending PBD-2011."
Themed "Engaging the Global Indian", the main focus of the PBD, 2011 will be NRI youth, Vayalar Ravi said.
"Like our Prime Minister said, even if one is born and brought up abroad, the Indianness in him does not die. We want to attract the second or third generation youth of the Indian Diaspora. In my visits abroad, I found that Indians, especially ladies, are hooked on to the various serials on Hindi channels, including the regional ones. And the second thing that is popular is Bollywood. If there is a way we can combine these two, I am sure it will appeal to the youth abroad. We are formulating and working on this idea," Vayalar Ravi told rediff.com.
The delegates will get to interact with three senior cabinet ministers during PBD-2011. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and Minister for Road Transport Kamal Nath will explain various government policies to the delegates.
The ninth edition of the PBD will see the participation of the chief ministers from the northeast states. In addition, eight other states have confirmed the participation of their chief ministers.
"Chief ministers from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Goa, Jharkand and Rajasthan have confirmed they will be attending the event. These CMs will interact with the Diaspora about their respective states and its investment opportunities in the CMs' conference. In addition, each CM will have separate sessions. This is all in addition to the CM participation of the northeast," Vayalar Ravi said.
When asked if the general perception of northeast being a politically volatile region will affect the judgment of the Diaspora, Jayanti Chandra, Secretary, Minister of Development of North East Region, said, "This is a common misconception. There are no law and order problems in the northeast. The home minister has just lifted restrictions on foreigners entering prohibited areas in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram, which goes on to show how much the situation has bettered in the northeast. We want the Diaspora to make an emotional investment in the region first -- travel to the area and see its scenic beauty. And then, if they are interested, they can make financial investments as well. I am sure if the Diaspora goes to the region for vacations, they will come back for more and more."
The event, that will take place from January 7-9, will see the maximum delegates from Malaysia, with the United States at a close second. In addition delegates from the Singapore, Canada, Europe and South Africa have also registered for the event.
