THE Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana Dr. Prem Misir has been invited as Co-Chair & Presenter by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) at Session IV of the Diaspora Conference, to be held on August 22, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza La Guardia in New York.

The overall theme of the convention is “People of Indian Origin: Strengthening Global Connections”, and will focus on issues concerning human rights, political participation, economic trends and challenges, socio-cultural and Diaspora related issues and concerns, inter-generational issues, inter-ethnic relations, and opportunities for the future.

A statement from Dr. Misir’s office said the theme for Session IV of the Diaspora Conference is “the Global Indian Diaspora: The Family Unit including Women and Inter-Generational Issues.”

The Convention seeks to address the importance of family being the center of Indian culture and its persistence over centuries.

Because of globalization and migration, the family unit will often undergo new and hitherto unknown forms of stress and transformation that affect the family members. This Convention will address these issues in a broad context and to set the stage for a better and more harmonious future.

Dr. Prem Misir’s paper will focus on the status of Indians in the Caribbean and India in the Caribbean.

Dr. Misir has had an extensive scholarly career, and is the author of seven (7) books. He has participated as Presenter in Pravasi Bharatiya three (3) times in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, respectively, and his participation will certainly enhance the proceedings of the event.