The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, as part of its on-going programme of associating the younger generation of the Indian Diaspora closely with India, has been organizing Internship/Orientation programmes for Diaspora Youth in the past and has till now organized six such programmes. Last such programme known as "Know India Programme" (KIP) took place in Delhi and Kerala from 19 December 2006 to 9 January, 2007. The Know India Programmes provide a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to share their views, expectations and experience and bond closely with contemporary India. The 7th Programme (KIP) in the series is being planned between the last week of August and first quarter of September 2007 with the logistical support of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, and in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industries and a State Government.

The proposed Programme will involve a total of three weeks stay in India for 40 participants consisting of Diaspora youth professionals and students of the age group of 20-28 years. After initial briefing meetings in the Ministry and calls on high-level dignitaries and gaining knowledge about Indian history, economy, heritage etc. for 2-3 days, the participants will leave for the selected State. A variety of programmes will be arranged in State, highlights of which are – calls on the dignitaries in the State Government, stay in a city of the State, meeting with local dignitaries, visit to IT parks, universities, hospitals etc. They will also participate in projects on environment, primary education, rural health etc.

The participants will return to New Delhi for 2-3 days for debriefing and discussions and feedbacks on their experience.

Broad guidelines of the Programme are given below:

1. The participant should have distinguished himself/herself in a prticular field and should have an abiding interest in India and links with India through parentage.


2. The participants should be in the age group of 20-28 years.


3. For nominations the applicant’s bio-data and other personal details including passport details and email addresses, along with two passport size photographs are needed.


4. The participants will have to pay for their international travel costs from UAE to Delhi and back. However, an amount equivalent to one-way airfare by economy/excursion class will be reimbursed to them by the Government of India. In addition, the GOI/State Government will bear expenditure on internal travel, boarding/lodging, etc. Participants will be paid a per diem allowance of Rs. 100/- per day as out-of-packet allowance.


5. Not more than 3 nominations will be accepted from one country. Those who are genuinely interested in the Programme and have not been to India before would be preferred.

Participants may contact Director (DS-I)/Under Secretary (DS-I) in the Ministry of Overseas Indians at emails: dirss@moia.nic.in; usds2@moia.nic.in for further details, but their nominations will have to be forwarded through Embassy of India/Abu Dhabi or Consulate General of India, Dubai.

Last date for receipt of applications in the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi [Tel: (02) 4492700;
Fax: (02) 4444685] is Thursday 9th, August 2007.