1. As on previous years, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs would be organising the Know India Programme this year also to associate the younger generation of the Indian Diaspora closely with India .  The current programme, the ninth in the series is being arranged for a period of three weeks during the months of August-September, 2008.  The exact dates of the programme will be conveyed on receipt of confirmation from respective State Governments.  The programme is being organised in partnership with the Governments of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh with the logisitc support provided by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and of Nehru Yuvak Kendra Sangathan (NYKS).

2. The participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels, per diem allowance of Rs. 100/- for out-of-pocket expenses, internal travel. They may be granted gratis visa by our Missions/Posts. After their participation in the Programme, one way economy class international airfare from their respective country to India is reimbursable to them by our Missions/Posts.

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

(a) Visit and stay at a University/College/Institute.

(b) Activities related to youth to be organized by NYKS.

(c) Visit to Industry(ies).

(d) Visit to a village

(e) Exposure to Indian media and Film Industry.

(f)   Presentations on the country, the constitution, political process etc.

(g) Interaction with NGOs and/or organizations dealing with women affairs.

(h) Calls on high dignitaries, which may include President, Ministers of OIA, Youth Affairs and Sports, Women and Child Development.

(i)    Visit to places of historical importance/Monuments.

(j)    Cultural events.

(i) The Programme is open to youth of Indian Origin (excluding NRIs) in the age group of 18-26 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to start.  We expect a fair mix of males and females.

(ii) The total number of participants in any of the Programme may not exceed 40.

(iii) The candidates should either be studying in the under-graduate level or should have completed under-graduation or equivalent.

(iv) They 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]

(v) They should have distinguished themselves in a particular field and should have abiding interest in India .

(vi) They should not have participated in any previous Know India Programme or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth.