India's annual diaspora conclave kicks off Saturday

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Jaipur, Jan 6: India's annual conclave to connect with its 30 million diaspora in some 130 countries kicks off Saturday in this Pink City, with the focus this time on inclusive growth and the youth.

The organisers, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, expect more than 1,300 delegates from 54 countries to participate in the three-day event, called the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will be the 10th edition thus far hosted by the Indian government.

'The main thrust of the event is to find ways and means on how to make the younger generation of people of Indian origin understand India. We will discuss this at length at the meet,' Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar will be the chief guest at the 10th edition of the conclave with the theme 'Global Indian -- Inclusive Growth'.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will deliver the inaugural address here Sunday, while President Pratibha Patil will deliver the valedictory address and also confer the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman awards a day after.

'The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated every year to mark the contribution of overseas Indian community in development of India. It is a pride, privilege for Jaipur, the Pink City, to host this convention,' Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said.

'We eagerly look forward to welcoming the illustrious sons and daughters of our great nation.'

The Rajasthan government, this year's co-hosts, said major efforts have been made to beautify the city, including the sprucing up of its world famous monuments. The state's handicraft emporium Rajasthali has announced a 10-percent discount for delegates.

Keynote speakers from the federal government include Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Road Transport Minister C.P. Joshi and Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan. Besides, Rajasthan Governor Shivraj Patil will speak about the message of Mahatma Gandhi.

Also participating are a host of chief ministers -- Goa's Digambar Kamat, Gujarat's Narendra Modi, Jharkand's Arjun Munda, Kerala's Oommen Chandy and Madhya Pradesh's Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The timing of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has been so chosen to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi, India's best-known Pravasi and Father of the Nation, from South Africa on January 9, 1915.