The 6^th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention will be held in Mauritius on October 27-28, 2012. Regional PBDs are organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, in collaboration with the host Government, the concerned Indian Mission and organisations catering to the needs of the Indian diaspora to reach out to a vast majority of Indian diaspora, who for various reasons, are unable to attend the main PBD event in India and benefit from its deliberations.

Mauritius and India share a close and special relationship anchored in ties of kinship, culture and common societal values. Nearly 70% of the 1.3 million-strong population of Mauritius is of Indian origin.  

The Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI), an archetypal educational institution in Mauritius and one of the enduring symbols of bilateral cooperation, has been chosen as the venue for the “PBD Mauritius 2012” convention. The Government of Mauritius has taken a Cabinet decision to this effect and the Ministry of Arts and Culture of Mauritius is the nodal agency to coordinate arrangements related to PBD Mauritius.  

PBD Mauritius 2012 will focus on a particular theme that stresses the ever-increasing strands of connectivity between India and its diaspora. Seminars and breakaway sessions/discussions on various issues of relevance to the Indian diaspora like youth participation, education, tourism, investment, culture etc. as well as a Business Event comprising sessions aimed at enhancing business ties between the Indian diaspora are being planned. Delegates will have to register for the convention by paying a registration fee of US Dollars One Hundred. A website for PBD Mauritius 2012 will soon be set up that will facilitate online registration. Details regarding the convention, which are currently being uploaded, could also be accessed from the website – http://indiahighcom-mauritius.org - of High Commission of India, Mauritius.

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