Speaking at a a special pre-PBD session on ‘Non-Resident Indians in the Gulf Countries.’ the Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said the Central and Kerala governments should hear the woes of men and women 'toiling' in the Gulf and urged the delegates to air their issues openly.

He said that solutions to only some of their problems have been arrived at so far, but there were issues galore which remains to be addressed. The suggestions of the NRIs would be discussed with Prime Minister and at the Union Cabinet, he said.

This is a mega event in the State with participation of over 2,000 registered delegates.

The Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is slated to inaugurate the annual flagship event, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 8 and the President of India Pranab Mukherjee will deliver the valedictory address January 9 and also confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards to eminent Overseas Indians.

The President of Mauritius Rajkeshwur Kailash Purryag, who is also a person of Indian origin (PIO), will be the Chief Guest on the occasion. He will also be accorded with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.

Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi has organised an exhibition of paintings and cartoons by NRI artists on the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharathiya Divasi.

Paintings by 15 NRI artists working in different countries and prints sent by 20 cartoonists are on display at the exhibition, organised at the Bologatty Palace in Kochi.
Some of these paintings are on sale. Apart from the works of the NRI artists, the collections of the Akademi are also exhibited.

In his keynote address, the Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said providing the NRIs with voting rights was the biggest achievement for those living abroad.

The Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, E Ahamed said efforts would be made for the skill development of unskilled workers. Kerala government should also take steps in this regard.

The Kerala minister for Non-Resident Kerala Affairs, K C Joseph said the government has plans to permit NRIs exercise their voting rights in panchayat and local body polls too. A Bill in this regard would be tabled soon, he said.

He alleged that the Air India was showing 'step motherly' treatment to the Gulf Keralites. The government was determined to go ahead with the state's ambitious Air Kerala project at any cost, he said.

Other pre-PBD seminars taking place at the venue are on skill development, pure sciences, tourism, youth and plenary sessions on ‘India’s Growth: Greater Opportunities’, ‘Overseas Indians: Safe Environment’, ‘Engaging Young Overseas Indians’ and ‘Investment Opportunities in States.