The stage is set for one of the largest gatherings of the Indian diaspora as the 14th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya divas will kickstart on Saturday with participation of more than 6,000 delegates from 30 countries.
Many delegates, who have descended on the city, are seeing the event as a platform to meet people from different regions or to air their grievances even as efforts are being made to showcase investment opportunities in various states before potential investors.
During the three-day event, technological advancements and social innovations will be showcased to Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) looking for business opportunities in the country with the start up environment in Bengaluru being a highlight during the Youth Pravasi Divas on Saturday.
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As many as 14 states, including the host state Karnataka, are showcasing their regions and business opportunities during the event that will also have high-level delegations from Portugal, Suriname and Malaysia among others. More than 1,500 NRIs and 400 floating NRIs will be a part of the event. Karnataka Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande on Friday said that the venue was ready to host the mega event that being organised in Bengaluru for the first time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver keynote address on Sunday, and will later be meeting Non Resident Indian and Persons of Indian Origin delegations while President Pranab Mukherjee will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards to 30 achievers on Monday.
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Foreign delegates
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Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Vice-President of Suriname Michael Ashwin Adhin will be among the dignitaries participating along with the chief ministers of more than eight States.
Several delegations, including a delegation from Qatar, are here to get their grievances redressed. Kareem Abdulla, part of 140 member delegation from Qatar will be seeking among other things Aadhar cards to Indians. However, delegates like Asha Samant, an Associate Professor in Dental Medicine in the U.S., is looking for chances to contribute in the health sector in India.