PM Narendra Modi reviews preparations for PBD being held in Gujarat

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took stock of preparations for the upcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ( PBD), being held for the first time in his home state Gujarat, when the state's Finance Minister Saurabhbhai Patel called on him here.

The Prime Minister also discussed with Patel issues related to Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which has been a pet annual affair of Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Patel brief Modi about the arrangements for the twin events to be held in January next year, according to a statement issued by Gujarat Information Department here.

The 13th edition of the PBD will be held in Gandhinagar from January 7-9 next year.

Patel, who was accompanied by Minister of State for Non-Resident Gujaratis (NRGs) Pradeepsinh Jadeja, also discussed with Modi several state-related issues while the upcoming PBD and Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit took the centrestage.

Modi is keen on tapping NRIs for investment in India and during his tenure as the state's Chief Minisater he had started the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which has been projected as a key in boosting the state's economic growth.

The theme of the next PBD will be '100 years of Gandhi's return to India from South Africa' and all the celebrations will be focussed on the centenary year of his homecoming, the statement said, adding that over 4000-5000 NRIs are expected to attend it.

Modi will inaugurate the seventh edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit to be held between January 11-13 in Gandhinagar.

The Summit will have seven partner countries -- Australia, Canada, UK, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore and South Africa, it said.