Indian community leaders in Bahrain are set to take part in a key overseas conference next month that aims to bring together thousands of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

The 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) will be held from January 7 to 9 in Jaipur, the Pink City of India. The theme of PBD-2012 is "Global Indian-Inclusive Growth".

The convention is expected to attract more than 1,500 delegates, who will attend and brainstorm in two pre-conference seminars entitled 'Social Entrepreneurship - Water' and 'Solar Energy: Investment in Research and Development'.

It will also include cultural performances at the end of the three-day event.

The Bahrain delegation, consisting of community leaders and businessmen, will attend sessions covering a variety of topics.

These include creating new opportunities for business to contribute with sustainable solutions through know-how, new technologies and innovative products.

Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the annual event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) and President Pratibha Patil will deliver the valedictory address on January 9.

President Patil is also scheduled to confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards for this year on distinguished NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO).

MOIA and Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi said chief guest at the event will be Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar.

He said that the Indian government was taking efforts to make PBD a more meaningful and interactive event that would address issues and concerns of the overseas Indian community effectively.-TradeArabia News Service