What is the objective of the Know India Programme (KIP) and its content?

Earlier known as Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth (IPDY), it is a three-week internship programme for Diaspora youth conducted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with a view to promote awareness on India, its socio-cultural diversity, its all round development, its emergence as an economic powerhouse, it being a centre of higher education and the ongoing developments in various fields including infrastructure, Information technology etc. The content of the programme may include the following: Visit and stay at a prominent University/College/Institute. Activities related to youth. Visit to Industry (ies). Visit to a village Exposure to Indian media and Film Industry. Presentations on the country, the constitution, political process etc. Interaction with NGOs and/or organizations dealing with women affairs. Calls on high dignitaries, which may include President, Ministers of OIA, Youth Affairs and Sports, Women and Child Development. Visit to places of historical importance/Monuments. Cultural events. Who all can participate in KIP and what are the selection criteria? The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 18-26 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to start. The candidates should either be studying in the under- graduate level or should have completed under-graduation or equivalent. They should be well conversant in English. The applicant should not have participated in any previous KIP or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth (IPDY). The applicant needs to apply to the Indian Mission/Post in his country. Subject to the fulfillment of requisite criteria participants are selected by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. Participation from all countries is encouraged. How many participants are usually taken in the program? The total number of participants in any of the Programme may be up to 40. What are the facilities provided to the participants under the program? The facilities provided to the participants, under KIP include: Local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels, Internal travel and local transport as per the Programme. Per diem allowance of Rs. 100/- for out-of-pocket expenses, Gratis visa by Indian Missions/Posts abroad. 90% of the total cost of air ticket for the cheapest economy class fare from their respective country to India is reimbursible to the participants by Indian missions / posts abroad on successful completion of the Programme by them. How do I apply to KIP? Are there any guidelines or application form available? Complete application for the programme is to be submitted in the prescribed application form to the Indian Diplomatic Mission/Consular Post that covers the area of residence of the applicant along with photographs. Guidelines and application form are available on the Ministry's website www.moia.gov.in and http://knowindiaprogram.com. How do I come to know about the dates of the Programs being organized? Details of the Programme are posted on the Ministry's website http://knowindiaprogram.com. The details are also sent to all the Indian Missions/Posts who are asked to give adequate publicity. Can I leave the program mid-way or attend a part of it? A participant is expected to complete the entire programme and cannot leave the programme mid-way.