Policy Update
Sreya S Motti
Background:
Know India Programme (KIP) is an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, for the youth of India between the age group of 21-35 years. The main goal of this scheme is to build a closer connection between the youth of the country and their ancestral homeland by providing a deeper understanding of India. This programme provides a platform for the youth of Indian origin or the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) youth to familiarise themselves with contemporary India and its diverse aspects This consists of about three weeks ‘knowledge tourism programme providing them exposure to different sectors of growth and development of India. The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding Non-Resident Indians) with preference given to PIOS from Girmitiya countries, which include Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa and Jamaica. The programme has been in existence since 2003. A maximum of 40 Indian Diaspora youth are selected for each programme and provided full hospitality in India.
Know India Programme is a 25-day programme (excluding international travel) during which the participant will visit Delhi, Agra and a select state in India, along with 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 like boarding and internal transportation in India, return air tickets from their country of residence to India, provided participants bear 10% of the cost of the total air fare. Gratis visa shall be granted to participants by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad.
The minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognised University /Institute or enrolled for graduation, and the ability to speak English. The applicant should not have visited India through any previous Programme of the Government of India. Those who have not visited India before will be given preference.
Functioning:
The Know India Programme works through a well-crafted series of phases and various activities. The application process begins with an online application through the scheme’s dedicated portal. The screening process is rigorous. This results in the selection of a small, intimate group of participants, often around 40. This ensures a quality and focused experience for the participants.
After the selection, participants are given various pre-departure orientation sessions. These sessions majorly outline the programme’s goals and prepare the participants for the upcoming experiences awaiting them in India. This initial phase helps them onboard the programme without any doubts, helping them understand the historical, cultural, political and economic contexts of the country that they are soon going to explore.
Further, the itinerary is well planned and structured, spanning the programme over a period of three weeks. Various sets of activities are conducted in these three weeks to make it a well-balanced programme. From early orientation sessions, including the introduction of India’s modern governance and economic advancements, to institutional visits, everything is conducted by experts in each field. Participants are taken to essential institutions such as legislative bodies, academic and research centres, and industrial hubs. Further to deeply understand the cultural perspective, guided tours of historical sites, museums, cultural landmarks, and performance events are conducted. These visits also include interactions with many government officials, leaders, and industry experts to enhance the outcome of the visits.
The Ministry of External Affairs oversees all the programme’s logistical sections. A major portion of the finance is alleviated by government support. Up to 90% of the international airfare is subsidised, with participants covering only a modest portion of the expense. Moving ahead, the accommodation, meals and intra-country expenses are well managed by the government ministry itself. This gives a very immersive experience for the participants.
The journey ends with participants’ debriefing sessions where they share experiences and reflect on how the programme has impacted them. This gives an overview of how their perception of India is moulded through the sessions, leading to creating a deeper connection with their roots.
Performance:
The Know India Programme has reached a significant milestone of around 21 years, making it one of the longest-running diaspora engagement programmes of the Government of India. The Programme was launched in 2003, with the primary objective of creating closer connections between Indian diaspora youth and their ancestral homeland. In 20 years, 2513 PIO youth from 53 countries have participated in various KIP editions, with large participation from diaspora in South Africa, Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Myanmar, Australia, Israel, France, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Reunion Island, Sri Lanka, Canada, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
While there isn’t much data available regarding the enrollment or application numbers of participants in the Know India Programme (KIP), it is evident that the scheme has experienced a consistent rise in the application numbers of participants. The scheme has been majorly advertised in the Indian embassies of various countries and the consulates general of these countries as well. This helps the scheme reach the right and deserving candidates for the programme.
From a fiscal standpoint, the financial performance of the scheme has been marked by efficient budget allocation and management. The government subsidizing for a major chunk of the whole programme makes it a substantial part of the cost deduction for the participants, leading to an increased number of applications every year.
Impact:
The impact of the scheme is multifaceted. The Know India Programme (KIP) has impacted the Indian youth majorly by providing them a grand exposure to know and delve into the roots of their ancestral homeland. This has led to a deep connection between the Indian origin youth and the country. Over the years, he programme has successfully created cultural awareness, historical understanding, and economic insights among participants.
Participants gain firsthand experience about the Indian governance and various socio-economic aspects of the country. They also share their experiences and opinions on various social media platforms, increasing the popularity of the program. The Ministry of External Affairs has also used this feedback to refine and improve the programme.
The scheme has also kept a well-curated alumni database, which is shared with Indian Missions abroad, ensuring long-term engagement with the diaspora.
Conclusion:
While the Know India Programme (KIP) stands to be a well-crafted initiative, it does face certain issues such as limited awareness among diaspora youth, geographical constraints, execution of feedback and digital engagement.
The Ministry of External Affairs has actively sought to strengthen KIP’s effectiveness, incorporating participant feedback, using social media and digital tools, and engaging Indian Missions abroad. Additionally, efforts to expand geographical reach and include more Indian states in hosting participants contribute to the programme’s growth.Consider ending with a forward-looking sentence: “With strategic improvements, KIP can become a global model for heritage diplomacy and diaspora integration.”
Despite these hurdles, KIP remains an important bridge between India and its global diaspora, inspiring youth to reconnect with their heritage and fostering a sense of belonging and contribution. The positive response from participants and continued refinement by the Ministry highlight KIP’s enduring impact and potential for further enhancement. In conclusion, the Know India Programme stands as a flagship initiative in diaspora engagement, offering an immersive and transformative experience for PIO youth.
References:
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (n.d.). Question no. 3750 Know India Programme. Rajya Sabha. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.mea.gov.in/rajya-sabha.htm?dtl/39322/question+no3750+know+india+programme
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (2024, January 17). MEA’s flagship Know India Programme for youth diaspora completes 20 years [Press release]. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/37486/MEAs_Flagship_Know_India_Programme_for_youth_diaspora_completes_20_years
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (n.d.). Know India Programme. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.mea.gov.in/know-india-programme.htm
- Consulate General of India, San Francisco. (n.d.). Know India Program. Retrieved April 26, 2025, from https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/know-india-program/
About the Contributor: Sreya S Motti is a research intern at IMPRI. She is currently pursuing a BA(Hons) in Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of Delhi.
Acknowledgment: The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr.Arjun Kumar and Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja, and the IMPRI team for allowing the author to write the article.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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