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Consul General Dr. Kulkarni answers frequently asked questions about Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Cover photo: A folk artist at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Hyderabad in 2006. Source: Wikipedia

In an interview with NRI Pulse, Consul General of India in Atlanta, Dr. Swati Kulkarni answered frequently asked questions about the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which is held every January in India.

What is Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)?
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a celebratory day observed on 9 January by the Republic of India to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community towards the welfare and development of India. The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai on 9 January 1915. of the nation. Since 2003, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas programs are being organized in different cities of India.

What should Non-Resident Indian community expect from Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) provides excellent opportunity of meeting the Indian leadership and get information about government’s developmental plans especially those intending to involve ex-patriate Indian community. PBD reconnects expatriate Indian community with their roots, recognizes the challenges that Indian expatriate employees encounter while they live and work overseas and honours their achievements.  The occasion serves as forum for building an international network of expatriate Indian community.  Besides, there are tour packages available for sight-seeing and visiting holy places. Further you can also update yourself about development taking place in infrastructure, fintech, education, information technology and other vibrant sectors in India.

What are the dates of 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2023 Convention?
The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 Convention will be held in Indore (Madhya Pradesh), India from 8-10 January, 2023.

What is the main theme of the Convention?
The theme of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention 2023 is: “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”.

What are the different Plenary sessions for the 17th PBD?
The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will include five Plenary Sessions on the following themes:-

  • Plenary Session I: Role of Diaspora Youth in Innovation and New Technologies
  • Plenary Session II: Harnessing the Potential of Women Diaspora Entrepreneurs towards an Inclusive Approach to Nation Building.
  • Plenary Session III: Leveraging the Soft Power of India- Goodwill through Craft, Cuisine & Creativity
  • Plenary Session IV: Enabling global mobility of Indian workforce – Role of Indian Diaspora
  • Plenary Session V: Role of Indian Diaspora in promoting India’s healthcare ecosystem in the Amrit Kaal: Vision @2047

What is the registration procedure for PBD 2023?
Registration for participation in PBD 2023 Convention is mandatory for all participants, including official delegates, invited guests, government officials, artists and performers and journalists. Registration will be only through an online process. For details of registration visit: https://www.pbdindia.gov.in/registration

What is the registration/participation fee for PBD 2023 Convention?
All PBD delegates/participants are required to pay the registration fee (except Government of India’s special invitees). In addition to individual registrations, Group registration facility can also be availed by PBD delegates, who wish to participate as members of an Indian Association, Community organization or Professional organization. The registration fee will include meals (lunch and dinner at the Convention venue) during the event period. A Conference bag with program, access to lunch and dinner venues, cultural programs will also be provided to the participants on arrival. Delegates can pick up the Conference Bag from the special counters set up at the PBD Convention venue from 8 January 2023. The details of registration fees for individuals and group registration visit: https://www.pbdindia.gov.in/registration

How can I pay the registration fees and what are the payment options available?
While registering online using the registration form, fees may be paid online itself. In case the payment doesn’t process/fails, an option to complete the payment later is available using Login credentials sent on registered Email ID. The payment options available are Debit/Credit Cards, Internet Banking and UPI. All major cards from Indian and International Banks are accepted. For more information on payment process visit: https://www.pbdindia.gov.in/registration#payment

Is there a refund of participation/registration fees, if I wish to cancel my participation in the PBD?
No refund will be provided in case of cancellation of registration.

Where can PBD delegates stay in Indore?
A limited number of hotel accommodations are available in Indore. A list of hotels which have offered special rates for PBD Delegates/Participants is on the website. Bookings can be made online through the web portal link of the hotels, or for the Government of India invitees, accommodation would be arranged by the organizers. To book accommodation for the 17th PBD 2023, kindly visit: https://www.pbdindia.gov.in/accommodation

What are the visa requirements for travel to India?
If you are a Non-resident Indian national (holder of Indian passport), you don’t require a visa to travel India. If you are a person of Indian Origin, your valid PIO or OCI card can provide visa free entry to India. If you do not have a PIO or OCI card, please apply at Consulate, 5549, Glenridge Drive, Sandy Springs, GA – 30342 for a visa. Foreign passport holders are advised to apply well in advance for Visa. You may please apply for “Conference Visa” to attend PBD 2023 Convention. Confirmed registration for the PBD Convention will be required at the time of submission of visa application forms at the Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate. If you are a special Invitee of the Government of India, please present the invitation letter from the Ministry of External Affairs, along with the visa application to the Indian Embassy/Consulate to obtain gratis Visa. To apply for visa, please visit: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. You may also get assistance regarding visa procedure through Chatbot on Consulate’s website https://www.indiainatlanta.gov.in/

Is health insurance required?
PBD delegates based outside India are advised to bring medical and travel insurance for the period of their stay in India.

Can I transfer my entry?
Entry to the PBD Convention will only be given to the person who has registered. A photo ID and verification proof need to be shown to obtain the delegate badge for entering the PBD convention. The delegate cannot transfer his badge to any other person.

What are the tourist attractions near Indore?
Links are provided on the website for tourist attractions in Madhya Pradesh. Special tour packages have been curated for PBD delegates by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

Is any other important event being organized during this period?
Government of Madhya Pradesh is organising the Global Investors Summit (GIS) in Indore during 11-12 January, 2023. For more information please visit: https://invest.mp.gov.in/ After PBD, you may consider participating in the GIS.

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