The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), a United Nations accredited entity, will hold its 24th global convention at Hotel Crowne Plaza here on Saturday and Sunday. Delegates from more than 30 countries are expected to attend the event, which is being held for the first time in Kerala.
Governor H R Bharadwaj will inaugurate the banquet meeting on Sunday. Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Minister for Non-Resident Keralite Affairs K C Joseph are the guests of honour.
Bhikhu Parekh of the House of Lords (UK), Ashok Rao, global chairman of The Indus Entrepreneurs, and motivational speaker Paresh Rughani from London will be the key-note speakers.
The event is being held close on the heels of the Global Healthcare Summit organised by the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPIO) and in the run up to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. There will be special focus on issues concerning India and people of Indian origin. The two-day convention will have four sessions focusing on issues, challenges and opportunities, freedom movements and economic progress among the diaspora and investments in India.