The Parvasi Bhartiya Divas Dear Friends Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is to be held at Chennai on January 07-09, 2009. The convention is being organized in partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the institutional partner. Registration for the convention opened on 21st August with the launch of website www.pbdindia.org by the Hon'ble Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs. Registration fee for those registering their names for the convention before 30th November is US$200 which includes participation in the conference, lunches, dinners and cultural programme. This time concessional rates have also been prescribed for registration in bulk, details of which are available with website. At our request, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has announced special 1-day and 2-day pre and post conference tour packages as added attractions. These include pilgrimage to Lord Tirupati and tours to Puducherry and Mamalapuram (Mahabalipuram). Topics for various sessions selected for the forthcoming PBD are as under:- Plenary Sessions: 1. "India as an Emerging Power: The Diaspora Factor". 2. "Role of Diaspora Youth in 21st Century India" 3. "Diaspora interaction with the States". 4. "Indian Diaspora: Preservation of Language and Culture". Concurrent Sessions: 1. "Building Bridges: Trade & Investment". 2. "Building Bridges: Diaspora Philanthropy". 3. "Building Bridges: Education & Diaspora Knowledge Network". 4. "Building Bridges: Media & Entertainment". 5. "Increased Interaction with Diaspora Women". 6. "Building Bridges – Health for All: Role of Diaspora". Regional Working Sessions on 'Gulf', 'Asia-Pacific', 'USA','Caribbean', 'Canada', 'Europe' and 'Africa' are also planned. The Conference is an annual event organized by the Indian government to create a vibrant bonding between India and the PIOs and the NRIs. The High Commission and the Consulate thus invite and urge PIOs and NRIs in South Africa to participate in this event in great number and make the event a grand success.