Chennai, Jan 8 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today announced that doctors, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, architects and chartered accountants, possessing the overseas citizenship cards issued by India, would be allowed to practice in the country.

Inaugurating the 7th Indian Diaspora convention, Dr. Singh said, "I am happy to announce that henceforth Overseas Citizen of India card holders who are qualified professionals - doctors, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, architects and chartered accountants - will have the benefit of practicing their professions here in our country."

Expressing happiness over a launching of a new initiative called ''The Global Indian Knowledge Network'', he said, "This Network will connect people of Indian origin from a variety of disciplines to users at the national, state and local levels in India."

"My hope is that the Network will facilitate transfer of knowledge and serve as a ''virtual think tank'' to generate new ideas on issues such as development, education and health-care," he added.

Speaking few words about the five million Indian workers working in the Gulf, the Prime Minister said he had seen their contributions first-hand when he recently visited Oman and Qatar.

"I was amazed to see their grit, their determination, and how they are contributing magnificently to processes of wealth creation in these countries," he added.

The 7th Indian Diaspora convention is being organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The theme of PBD 2009 is ''Engaging the Diaspora - The way forward''

President Prathibha Patil will deliver the valedictory address on January 9. She would also confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards for 2009.

Several Central Ministers and Chief Ministers are also scheduled to address the delegates.

About 1500 delegates from across the world are expected to take part in the PBD.

The focus topics for discussion include "Indian Diaspora : Preservation of Language and Culture", "Role of Diaspora Youth in the 21st Century India" and "India as an Emerging Power : The Diaspora Factor".

PBD conventions provide a platform for exchange of views and networking to the Persons of Indian Origin on matters of common interest.

These conventions enable the Government of India to better understand the expectations of the Overseas Indians from the land of their ancestors and to acknowledge their role in India''s all-round development. (ANI)