In the ongoing Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bengaluru, the day started with a plenary session on Diaspora Organizations: Bridging Distances Unlocking opportunities. Addressing the session, Canadian politician Ruby Dhalla said that the time has come for the Diaspora to take up the mantle of diplomacy.<br/><br/>In the 2nd session, issues related to Indian emigrant workers were discussed. An e-migrate brochure was also launched on the occasion. In the 3rd Session discussion took place on leveraging social media for Diaspora connect.<br/><br/>MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup gave a presentation on the subject. In his address, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar summarized how technology is very inclusive and now cuts across generation.<br/><br/>The 4th Session was on leveraging expertise for knowledge and innovation ecosystem. In his address, Malaysia Prime Minister's special envoy on infrastructure Dato Seri Utama Samy Vellu said, Government of India and Diaspora should work together to make India an innovation driven country. Chair of the session, Union Minister for Statistics and Programme implementation, D V Sadananda Gowda said, India needs more innovation and skill development for the masses. He said, research institutions must focus on innovation. He said, the present government at the centre has taken many initiatives for innovation, skill development and digitization.<br/><br/>A session was dedicated on connecting contemporary India to Diaspora in Girmitiya countries. Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh chaired the session. Culture Minister of Mauritius Prithviraj Roopun was the guest in the session.<br/><br/>In the evening, President Pranab Mukherjee will address the valedictory session and will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.

Today is the 3rd and the final day of 14th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas at Bengaluru in Karnataka. President Pranab Mukherjee will attend the valedictory ceremony this evening and will confer Pravasi Bhartiya Samman and awards. Apart from this, six plenary sessions are also scheduled for today. <br/><br/>Culture Minister of Mauritius Prithvirajsing Roopun and Malaysia Prime Minister's Special Envoy on Infrastructure Dato Seri Utama Samy Vellu will participate in different sessions. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Portuguese Counterpart Dr Antonio Costa inaugurated the main convention.