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Context

• The flagship program of the Ministry of External Affairs for the youth diaspora, the ‘Know India Programme’, has completed 20 years.

Details

• Since its inception in 2003, 70 successful KIP editions were conducted, with over 2500 participants from 53 countries.
• The three-week program provides diaspora youth exposure to India’s history and cultural heritage, along with the growth and development of modern India.

Know India Programme

About

• The Know India Programme is an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs, aimed at fostering a deeper connection between the Indian diaspora and the country.

Objective:

• The primary objective of the Know India Programme is to provide a platform for PIO and NRI youth to understand India's socio-economic progress, cultural heritage, and contemporary developments.
• It aims to strengthen the bond between the younger generation of the Indian diaspora and their ancestral homeland.

Duration:

• The program typically has a duration of about two to three weeks.

Participants:

• The program is targeted at individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who have a keen interest in India and its culture.
• Participants are selected through a competitive application process.
• The Know India Programme is open to Persons of Indian Origin (21-35 years) from all countries, with preference given to youth from Girmitiya countries.
• The selected participants are provided with return air tickets (with participants bearing 10 per cent of the cost of airfare), and local hospitality, including boarding, lodging and transportation, as part of the programme.

Key Elements

• 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 the Parliament of India, the Election Commission of India, and 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 and public and private firms to highlight India’s strength in Manufacturing and Service sector.

Components:

• The program includes a mix of classroom sessions, lectures, interactive discussions, and visits to cultural and heritage sites.
• Participants get the opportunity to visit different states in India, gaining exposure to the country's diverse culture, traditions, and historical landmarks.

Activities:

• Participants engage in activities such as workshops on various aspects of Indian culture, heritage, and development.
• They have the chance to interact with government officials, academicians, artists, and experts in different fields.

Cultural Immersion:

• The program emphasizes cultural immersion, allowing participants to experience festivals, art forms, and daily life in different parts of India.

Networking:

• The Know India Programme provides a platform for participants to connect and establish networks within the Indian diaspora.

Feedback and Impact:

• Participants are encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences, and the program is periodically reviewed and updated to enhance its effectiveness.
• The impact of the program is assessed in terms of the participants' understanding of India, their contributions to the diaspora, and their role as cultural ambassadors.

Partnerships:

• The initiative often involves collaboration with various state governments, cultural organizations, and institutions to facilitate a comprehensive and enriching experience for the participants.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements: 1.    The Know India Programme is an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs. 2.    The Know India Programme is open to Persons of Indian Origin of all age from all countries. 3.    The program typically has a duration of about two to three months. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? A) 1 and 3 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 2 only D) All Answer: B) 2 and 3 only