EMBASSY OF INDIA SURINAME

The Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs (MOIA) has an ongoing program called Know India program (KIP). It is a three-week orientation programme for diaspora youth conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, Science & Technology, Communication & Information Technology, culture. These are conducted in partnership with one or two State Governments. So far 17 batches have been conducted under KIP.

18th Know India Programme has been rescheduled for the period 21st
September to 11th October 2011. The partner states are Goa and
rajasthan. Last date to apply at the Embassy of India, Paramaribo is
2nd August 2011.


The 19th KIP is scheduled from 21st December, 2011 to 10th January, 2012 with Rajasthan as the Partner State 19th KIP would coincide with PBD 2012 at Jaipur.

The general guidelines for KIP are as follows:

1.   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 to commence.

2.    It is open to PIOs from all over the world.

3.    The total number of participants in any KIP may not exceed 40.

4.    Minimum qualification required for applying is graduate or studying for graduation.

5.   The applicants should be able to converse in English. [They should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or should have English as a medium of instruction for under-graduate course]

6.    7. The applicant should not have participated in any previous KIP or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth (IPDY). Students and those who have not visited India before are encouraged to apply.

7.    The content of the programme may include the following:

a.    Presentations on the country, political process, developments in various sectors,

b.    Interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute,

c.    Presentation on the industrial development and visits to some Industries/factories,

d.    Visit to a village to better understand the typical village life,

e.   Exposure to Indian media,

f.    Interaction with NGOs and organizations dealing with women affairs,

g.   Visit to places of historical importance/Monuments,

h.    Taking part in Cultural programmes,

i.      Exposure to yoga,

j.      Call on high dignitaries, which may include President of India, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and Ministers in-charge of Overseas Indian Affairs, Youth Affairs and Sports.

8.    The participants are provided the following hospitality/facilities in India:

                    i.        local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels,

                   ii.        Internal travel as per the Programme.

                  iii.        Per diem allowance of Rs. 100/- for out-of-pocket expenses,

Selected participants would be required to purchase air ticket for their journey from the country of residence to India and back, as per the schedule prescribed for the Programme by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. Concerned Indian Mission/Post would reimburse 90% (ninety percent) of the total cost of air ticket for the cheapest economy class travel to the participants on successful completion of the programme by them.
Gratis visa by Indian Missions/Posts abroad may be granted to selected participants.

The Mission should seek a medical fitness certificate from the participants before recommending them for the programme. Every participant should have medical insurance before the visa is granted to them.
The weather condition of India should also be communicated to the participants and they should also be briefed that stay in a rural area is the part of the programme where air-conditioned accommodation is often not available.

All applicants for the programme may be asked to write an essay of 250 to 300 words on why they want to participate and what they expect to gain from the programme.

Selected participants would be required to abide by the regulations of the Know India Programme as conveyed to them by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs or an agency nominated by it for the conduct of the Programme directly or through Indian Missions/Posts abroad.

They are expected to cooperate fully in the programme in order to ensure its smooth conduct.
In case a participant is found guilty of misconduct or indiscipline during the course of his/her stay, he/she may be asked to leave the Programme. Such participants would have to meet the entire cost of their air travel from his/her country of residence to India & back and ‘clause 10’ above on refund of 90% of the total cost of air ticket by Indian Missions/Posts would not be applicable to them. Drinking and smoking in many places in India is banned and is discouraged during the programme. Participants are expected to remain with the group and maintain seriousness towards the programme.

The participants would also not be permitted to leave the Programme mid-way. All are expected to participate in the various programmes organized for them enthusiastically & are not expected to stay back in their hotel room, except for medical reason as advised by the doctor. Participants who leave the program on their own will not be entitled to either the airfare or the per diem allowance.

The organizers will take care of the participants for the duration of the program only. If the participants wish to come early or stay late they will have to make their own arrangements.

Duly Completed application ( http://knowindiaprogram.com/Application-Form.doc)  for the programme, along with a passport size photograph, is to be submitted in the prescribed application form at the Indian Diplomatic Mission/Consular Post that covers the area of residence of the applicant. Nominations received after the due date, incomplete and unsigned applications, or forms not accompanied with photographs would be summarily rejected.