The 17th Pravasi Baratiya Diwas (PBD) will be held from 8th to 10th January in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Briefing media in New Delhi this evening, Secretary (CPV and OIA) in the External Affairs Ministry, Dr Ausaf Sayeed said the formal inauguration of the PBD Convention will be done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 9th of January. President of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali will be the Chief Guest and Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi will be the special guest of honour.<br />'' <br />'' Pravasi Baratiya Diwas 2023 has special significance as this year marks the 75 years of India's independence. This will also be the first PBD convention as India enters the Amrit Kaal. Dr Sayeed said the diaspora will play a very important role in the development trajectory of India. He added that the theme this year is Diaspora- Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit Kaal.<br />'' <br />'' More than 3500 registrations from nearly 70 countries have been made by diaspora for the event.<br />'' <br />'' Ministerial level of delegations from Mauritius, Malaysia, Panama and big delegations of diaspora from several countries including Mauritius, UAE, US, Qatar and Oman will participate. Five plenary seassions will be held on the themes of youth, healthcare, soft power, Indian workforce and women.<br />'' <br />''Madhya Pradesh is the partner state for this year's PBD. PBD is being held in the physical format after a gap of four years owing to COVID 19. Since 2017, PBD conventions are being held once in two years.