This is a HIGHLY SUBSIDISED program to get to know India! Hard to believe, but yes its true 🙂

The Know India Programme (KIP) was earlier known as the Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth (IPDY). The KIP is organized in order to associate the younger generation of the widely spread out Indian Diaspora closely with India. Nineteen such KIPs have been organised till now by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), Government of India (GOI), with a view to promote awareness on India, its socio-cultural diversity, its all round development, its emergence as an economic powerhouse, India being a centre of higher education and the ongoing developments in various fields including infrastructure, Information technology etc. The participants from countries having larger population of People of Indian Origin (PIO) are selected based on recommendations made by Indian Missions / Posts abroad. They are provided with full hospitality and are reimbursed 90% of the cheapest economy class airfare from their respective country to India and back. Each KIP is organized in partnership with the State Governments, and each KIP is of 3-weeks duration and has not more than 40 participants.

More Details:

The 20th, 21st, and 22nd KIPs will be held in partnership with the state governments of Goa, Uttaranchal, and Karnataka respectively.

The Know India Programme (KIP) is organized in order to associate the younger generation of the Indian Diaspora closely with India. Nineteen such KIPs have been organised till now. The KIP provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to share their views, expectations and experience to bond closely with contemporary India. Each KIP is of three weeks duration and not exceeding 40 participants. The programmes have been greatly appreciated by the past KIP participants.

2.             The 20^th KIP is expected to commence in April 2012, in partnership with the State Government of Goa.

3.             The 21^st KIP is expected to commence in August 2012, in partnership with the State Government of Uttaranchal.

4.             The 22^nd KIP is expected to commence in December 2012, in partnership with the State Government of Karnataka.

5.             The KIP is open to youth of Indian origin [excluding Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)] in the age group of 18-26 years as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to commence.

6.             The contents of each KIP may include the following:

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

ii.)     Interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University / College / Institute.

iii.)    Presentation on the industrial development and visits to some Industries / factories.

iv.)    Visit to a village to better understand the typical village life.

v.)     Exposure to Indian media.

vi.)    Interaction with NGOs and organisations dealing with women affairs.

vii.)   Visit to places of Historical Importance / Monuments.

viii.)  Taking part in Cultural Programmes.

ix.)    Call on High Dignitaries, which may include President of India, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Ministers-in-charge of Overseas Indian Affairs, Youth Affairs and Sports, and other dignitaries.

7.             The candidates should either be holding a Graduate Degree or studying for graduation. 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).

8.             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.

9.             The applicant should also enclose a medical fitness certificate from a General Physician along with their application, stating that the participant is medically fit to take part in this 3-week KIP in India.

10.          If selected for the programme, the participants would take an overseas medical insurance to cover the duration of the visit, failing which they would not be issued visa to participate in the programme.

11.          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.

iv.)    They may be granted Gratis Visa by Indian Mission / Posts abroad.

v.)     90% of the total cost of the air ticket for the cheapest economy class travel from the participant’s respective country to India and back is reimbursable to them by Indian Missions / Posts abroad after their successful participation in the KIP.

12.          Selected applicants are required to abide by the regulations of the KIP as conveyed to them by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) or an agency nominated by it for the conduct of the KIP. The participants are required to offer their full cooperation in the smooth conduct of the KIP, and they are not expected to leave the KIP mid-way.

13.          Nominations have to be forwarded through Indian Missions abroad and have to be endorsed by HOMs before being considered for selection. A copy of the nomination / registration forms and details of the KIP is available online at www.indianhighcommission.com.my/kip.php

14.          The duly filled-in applications should be submitted either by hand / by post to:

High Commission of India,
Education Section,
No. 2, Jalan Taman Duta, Off Jalan Duta,
50480 Kuala Lumpur.

15.          The last date for receipt of nominations for the 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd KIPs should be sent by 05 March 2012, 25 June 2012, and 29 October 2102 respectively.

Forms:

Application Form (PDF or Ms Word)

Guideline: Guideline KIP

references:

http://www.indianhighcommission.com.my/kip.php

http://indianhighcommission.com.my/pressview.php?Id=119

Note: thanks to Novinthen for info.