NEW DELHI, Sept 22 � Making its maiden entry, Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and North Eastern States have joined overseas Indian conclave, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), as State partners.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the ninth PBD, India�s annual connect with its global diaspora, scheduled to be held here January 7-9, next year, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi announced on Wednesday.
President Pratibha Patil will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards-2011 to distinguished people of Indian origin and non-resident Indians and would also deliver the valedictory address on January 9, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) said.
The event will be in partnership with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region together with eight north-eastern states and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
�The special feature of PBD-2011 is the participation of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and eight North Eastern States as partner. There will be a plenary session for the chief ministers of North Eastern States. This would provide the diaspora with an opportunity to
understand the tremendous potential of this beautiful part of India,� Ravi said.