Chennai, Jan 9 : Continuing on its objective to deepen engagement with the Indian diaspora, three concurrent sessions at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2009 addressed opportunities presented for participating in social development in India.

The PBD convention is being held here from January 7-9 by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the Government of Tamilnadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Health and education have emerged as the key social sector areas for increasing diaspora engagement in India.

The concurrent session on healthcare for all took stock of the achievements made and the new directions that should be taken to increase disapora interaction in the medical field.

Chennai, Jan. 8 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said that overseas Indians could take to the world stage some of India’s key concerns such as terrorism, education and trade agenda.

In particular, he said, they could convey the message to their respective countries that India is fully committed to free and fair trade.

Expressing appreciation for diaspora sympathy for the Mumbai terror attacks, he called upon the overseas Indian community to raise its voice against sponsored terrorism, as terrorism ‘diminishes mankind’.

Chennai, Jan 8 : Strongly condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said that the international community would get together and help restore peace in the region.

"India has strongly condemned these incidents and it is our hope that the international community would get together and help restore peace in the region as soon as possible," Dr. Singh while inaugurating the 7th Indian Diaspora convention here.

"I wish to reiterate our unstinted and unwavering support for the just Palestinian cause," he added.

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."

Chennai, Jan 8 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today laid the foundation stone for the elevated road from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal here today.

"This project is one more important milestone in the ambitious road programme of the government that will transform the country''s transport sector, give a boost to industry and integrate the economy," said Dr. Singh.

Chennai, Jan. 8: The threat posed by extremism and terrorism to India's pluralistic and liberal traditions will not be allowed to destabilize the country, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said here this morning after inaugurating the Seventh Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

He was speaking in the presence of Chief Guest Ramdien Sardjoe, Vice President of Suriname.