53rd Edition of “Know India Programme”: Indian origin Youth from 8 countries called on Union Minister Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, Feb 5: On Tuesday, Indian origin youth from 8 countries interacted with Union Minister Jitendra Singh under “Know India Programme”. This is the 53rd edition of “Know India Programme”.
The Know India Programme is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India with the objective of familiarizing the India Diaspora Youth, in the age group of 18-30 years, with developments and achievements made by the country and bringing them closer to the land of their ancestors. The programme provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of India origin to visit India, share their views, expectations, and experiences and to bond closely with contemporary India.
This 53rd edition of Know India Programme involved 40 Participants from Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, Portugal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago.
The partner states of this edition are Maharashtra and Daman & Diu.
Dr. Jitendra Singh interacted with the youth and discussed with them experiences of their visit to India. He said, "This programme provides an opportunity for these youth to learn about and know their roots and share experiences".
He spoke about the role of ‘people to people’ connect in improving the relations between the countries. He added the world has now shrunk due to improved connectivity that has reduced the physical barriers. The new modes of communication have resulted in direct connection with people across national boundaries.
The participants expressed, " KIP helps them understand the Indian traditions, heritage, and their family connections". They also recalled the visits paid by their families to India in the past. The participants also shared the influences which they have from India like IT industry, Bollywood, Indian cuisine and sports etc.
commenting about the success of the programme, Dr. Singh said, "India during the last five years has been projected globally by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi".
He stated that India is not less than any other country in the field of space technology.
He discussed Government programmes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, International Yoga Day, and others. The Minister also spoke about the progress made in the North Eastern Region of India, during the interaction.
The participants who are on a visit to India from 23rd January to 16th February, have visited Maharashtra, Daman & Diu and Agra. Now they are in Delhi where they will visit historical monuments and cultural places.