FICCI along with Indian Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is conducting the “Know India Programme” (KIP) programme for diaspora youth, to know their views, expectations & experiences and to develop closer bonds with the contemporary India. 30-40 youth of 18-26 years of age will be attending this 3-weeks long orientation programme, to be conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, Science & Technology, Communication & Information Technology, culture.
The objective of this programme is to expose Indian origin young people overseas, to India’s social and economic progress. These young people have usually not visited India before. As a process, the Indian High Commission receives applications, and ratifies for their eligibility.
4-5 such programmes are conducted every year in partnership with one or two State Governments. Currently there are 18 such programmess promised over the next one year, starting from May 2016, for which Maharashtra is the Partner State. The selected participants are provided with full hospitality in India during the duration of the programme. 90% of the total cost of air ticket (at lowest economy excursion fare) is refundable to the participants on successful completion of the programme by them.
Typically, a visit will contain:
- Classroom presentations on India’s , political system, economy, society, and developments in various sectors etc
- Interaction with students at University/ College
- Visit to places of historical importance
- Participation in cultural programmes, yoga
- Visit to industrial sites
- Visit to a village
- Interaction with non-profits
- Meetings with senior political leadership in India
- Visit to a select state in India for 10 days
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 18-26 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to begin. It is open to PIO youths from all over the world. The applicant should not have participated in any previous KIP or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth (IPDY) or Study India Programme of MEA. Students who have not visited India before will be given preference. Minimum qualification required for applying is graduation from a recognised University /Institute or studying for graduation. applicants should be able to speak in English, should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or have English as the medium of instruction for undergraduate course.
There are a maximum of five candidates from any one country.
How to apply
Get in touch with [email protected] for an application form. Fill this in and send it to the Indian High Commission in London.
