On the occasion of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2005, 15 distinguished NRIs will be honoured. Included in the list are Telecom industry expert Sam Pitroda and economist Jagdish Bhagwati, film director Manoj Night Shyamalan all from the US, and UK-based novelist Vikram Seth. According to PTI reports, this was stated by Mr. Jagdish Tytler the Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Others in the list include Amina Cachalia from South Africa for public affairs, Alokeranjan Dasgupta from Germany for literature, Lord Bhikhu Chhotalal Parekh from United Kingdom for political studies and Sant Singh Virmani from Philippines for agricultural science.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the three-day Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) in Mumbai on January 7 and President APJ Abdul Kalam will confer the awards at the valedictory session on January 9.
Owing to the tsunami tragedy, all the celebration elements like cultural programmes, entertainment functions and 'thanksgiving' dinner have been cancelled, Tytler informed.
Over 1900 delegates including 1400 overseas Indians from 60 countries are taking part in the meet, which has been structured this year in a "very focussed and business-like manner", the minister said.
Asked about the status of dual citizenship, he said registration in this regard had begun from November last year in a number of countries.
He hinted that the Prime Minister might make some announcements for the benefit of people of Indian origin (PIOs) and NRIs.
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