Policy Update
Prithvi Naoh
Introduction
The Know Goa Programme (KGP) is a flagship cultural and engagement initiative by the Department of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Affairs, Government of Goa, launched in 2008. Targeted at second- and third-generation Goans living abroad, the programme aims to reconnect the global Goan diaspora with their ancestral heritage. Through an immersive 10-day experience, participants are introduced to Goa’s history, governance, culture, economy, and contemporary life.
Background and Rationale
Goa has a vibrant diaspora spread across the Gulf, Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia. Many descendants of Goans abroad have grown up detached from their ancestral culture and homeland. Recognizing this disconnect, the Government of Goa initiated KGP to rekindle these links, promote cultural continuity, and create opportunities for diaspora-driven development.
Objectives
- Cultural Reconnection – Re-establish the cultural identity of overseas Goans.
- Knowledge Transfer – Educate participants about Goa’s socio-economic and political landscape.
- Tourism Promotion – Encourage Goan youth abroad to become tourism ambassadors.
- Investment Engagement – Explore professional, entrepreneurial, and philanthropic opportunities.
- Diaspora Integration – Strengthen long-term ties between the Goan diaspora and the state.
Key Features of the Programme
- Duration: Typically 10 days.
- Eligibility: Goan origin youth aged 18–30, born and residing abroad (usually second or third generation).
- Coverage:
- Airfare (return economy class)
- Local hospitality (accommodation, food, transportation)
- Scheduled Activities:
- Meetings with State Dignitaries (Chief Minister, Ministers, MLAs)
- Cultural Tours: Visits to heritage sites, museums, churches, temples, and villages.
- Industrial Visits: Exposure to IT parks, agriculture projects, and traditional industries like feni production.
- Interactive Sessions: Discussions on Goa’s governance, development, and diaspora policy.
- Community Engagement: Interaction with local students, NGOs, and cultural institutions.
Merits of the Know Goa Programme
- Revitalizing Identity: Offers diaspora youth a direct experience of their roots.
- Economic Potential: Inspires participants to consider Goa for tourism, investment, or professional return.
- Diplomatic and Cultural Outreach: Serves as a form of soft diplomacy and international cultural promotion.
- Building Networks: Fosters lasting friendships among participants and between them and Goa-based stakeholders.
- Promoting Goa’s Global Image: Enhances Goa’s profile as a progressive and culturally rich Indian state.
Limitations and Demerits
- Limited Capacity: Only a small number (usually 10–15) are selected each year.
- High Per Capita Cost: Limits scalability due to the cost of travel and accommodation.
- Short Duration: The brief visit may not allow deep engagement with Goa’s complexities.
- Post-Visit Disconnect: Weak alumni engagement limits long-term impact.
- Eligibility Restriction: Excludes Goans with undocumented ancestry or mixed heritage.
Alumni Impact and Experiences
Many past participants have reported a transformative experience, describing feelings of pride, discovery, and newfound commitment to Goa’s future. Some alumni have become cultural ambassadors, event organizers in their respective countries, or have contributed to development projects in Goa.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Alumni Networks: Create structured platforms for continued engagement and collaboration.
- Virtual and Hybrid Models: Use digital platforms to scale reach and inclusivity.
- Partnerships with Universities and NGOs: For experiential learning and volunteering modules.
- Expansion of Criteria: Include participants from mixed heritage and neighboring states with historical links.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Use surveys and impact metrics to improve future editions.
Comparative Models in India
- Know India Programme (KIP) by the Ministry of External Affairs for NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin.
- Punjab Youth Connect by the Punjab Government to engage NRIs and their descendants.
Goa’s programme stands out for its local cultural immersion and personalized interactions with state officials and communities.
Conclusion
The Know Goa Programme is a commendable model of sub-national diaspora engagement. It creates a bridge between Goa and its global community, offering emotional, cultural, and developmental linkages. However, for the programme to achieve sustained impact, it needs to evolve through expanded participation, digital innovation, and policy integration. Strengthening diaspora bonds is not only about heritage—it is also about shaping Goa’s future with global citizens at the helm.
References (APA 7th Edition)
Department of NRI Affairs, Government of Goa. (n.d.). Know Goa Programme. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://nri.goa.gov.in/know-goa-programme/
Times of India. (2018, November 25). NRI department to host 11th Know Goa Programme. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Dias, M. (2020). Goa and its diaspora: The role of identity and culture. Journal of South Asian Studies, 36(2), 145–158.
Patel, R. (2019). Diaspora engagement in Indian states: Emerging trends and challenges. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 25(4), 520–535. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2018.1449997
Ministry of External Affairs. (n.d.). Know India Programme. Retrieved from https://kip.gov.in
About the contributor- Prithvi Naoh is a research intern at IMPRI and is currently pursuing his Masters in International Relations.
Acknowledgement- The author sincerely thanks Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja and the fellow IMPRI fellows for their valuable contributions
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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