Why is it in the News?

The flagship programme of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the youth diaspora, the ‘Know India Programme’, has completed 20 years.

About the Know India Programme (KIP):

• The Know India Programme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs designed to enhance awareness about India, its cultural heritage, and art, and to familiarize participants with various aspects of contemporary India and their ancestral homeland.
• This program is open to Persons of Indian Origin (21-35 years) (excluding non-resident Indians) from all over the world, with a preference for youth from Girmitiya countries, such as those from Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa, and Jamaica.
  • The program has been in existence since its inception in 2003.

Features of Know India Programme (KIP):

• It is a 21 days’ programme (excluding international travel) during which the participant will visit Delhi, Agra and a select state in India alongwith visits to places of historical, cultural, and religious significance.
  • KIP participants will also have a 2-day orientation programme in New Delhi.
  • Participants will meet opinion makers, leaders, and officials to get an overview of India’s economy, society and ongoing growth and development story.
• Participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding and Internal transportation in India, return air tickets from their country of residence to India provided participants bear 10% of the cost of total air fare.
  • Gratis visa shall be granted to participants by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad.
• Some of the key elements of the Programme include:
  • Visits to places of historical and cultural importance;
  • Familiarisation with Yoga, Ayurveda, and classical forms of Music and Dance;
  • Visit to institutions of democracy and governance like Parliament of India, Election Commission of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan;
  • Interaction with leading educational institutions;
  • Exposure to flagship economic and development schemes like Digital India, StartUp India, and Make in India; and
  • visits to industrial sites, public and private firms to highlight India’s strength in Manufacturing & Service sector.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University /Institute or enrolled for graduation and the ability to speak in English.
  • The applicant should not have visited India through any previous Programme of Government of India.
  • Those who have not visited India before will be given preference.
• Applicant must provide documentary evidence to prove Indian origin or an undertaking about Indian origin which must be countersigned by the Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consul General.