Late Smt. Sushma Swaraj, then External Affairs Minister inaugurated a portal www.kip.gov.in for Know India Programme (KIP) on 17th June 2017, a Ministry of External Affairs flagship programme for engagement with young overseas Indians. The portal enables Indian origin youths to apply online for KIP Programme.
Know India Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs is a three-week orientation programme for diaspora youth 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. KIP provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share their views, expectations & experiences and to develop closer bonds with the contemporary India. The participants are provided local hospitality, including boarding & lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels, and internal travel. They are granted gratis Indian visa and Indian Missions/Posts will arrange for return air tickets before participants leave for India, after getting 10% of total airfare from them.
The Programme is organized in partnership with the State Governments. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the organizational partner. The total number of participants in any of the Programme may not exceed 40. The participants may not leave the programme mid-way. They are expected to follow the entire programme as a group and stay at places designated for this purpose.
Broad Contents of KIP
- Visiting Indian university, colleges, or academic institutions.
- Industrial visits.
- Visit to a village.
- Exposure to Indian media and film industry.
- Presentations on India and her Constitution, political process, etc.
- Interaction with NGOs
- Call on high dignitaries, which may include the President of India, Ministers of Overseas Indian Affairs, Youth Affairs and Sports, Women and Child Development.
- Visit to places of historical importance and monuments.
- Cultural events.
Eligibility
The programme is open to the youth of Indian Origin (excluding NRls) in the age group of 18-30 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to start.
Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University /Institute or enrolled for graduation.
They should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or should have English as a medium of instruction for the undergraduate course.
They should have distinguished themselves in a particular field and should have abiding interest in India.
They should not have participated in any previous Know India Programme or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth.
Please click here for more details on Know India Programme.
