Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs on Jan. 8 and President Pratibha Patil will deliver the valedictory address on Jan. 9.

The Consulate General of India in a statement invited members of the local community to join their counterparts from across the world to participate in the three-day flagship event.

PBD is celebrated on Jan. 9 every year to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India. It was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi (traveller), returned to India from South Africa and led the country's freedom struggle that changed the lives of Indians forever.

PBD conventions have been held every year since 2003. During the event, individuals of exceptional merit are honored with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award in appreciation of their role in India's growth. The event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian diaspora.