The 91st edition of the Know India Programme (KIP), the Ministry of External Affairs' flagship engagement for young members of the Indian diaspora, begins on Sunday, November 15, and runs until November 28. This edition is for the 'Scholars and Innovators' cohort, open to diaspora youth aged 18 to 23.

Source: Dainik Jagran English

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, each KIP cohort has an intake of 25 participants, drawn from Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The programme is fully organised by the ministry, which bears 90 per cent of participants' airfare, with board, lodging and local transport covered.

Source: Consulate General of India, San Francisco (MEA)

The two-week programme connects young diaspora members with their ancestral roots and familiarises them with India's cultural heritage, economic development, innovation ecosystem and scientific achievements, as the country moves towards the Viksit Bharat @2047 goal.

A flagship running since 2003

The Know India Programme has been running since 2003-04. Under revised guidelines issued by the ministry, editions are now held separately for two cohorts — 'Scholars and Innovators' aged 18 to 23 and 'Young Professionals' aged 24 to 28 — with each edition lasting two weeks.

Source: MEA revised KIP guidelines (Embassy of India, Astana)

Preference in selection is given to applicants who have not previously visited India, including diaspora youth from Gulf countries and Girmitiya countries, according to the ministry's guidelines.