Diaspora youths call on Ravi

New Delhi, Dec 20 (UNI) A group of 30 diaspora youths from nine countries called on Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi here today.

Interacting with the participants, Mr Ravi said the Indians were playing an important role in different countries, and the Indian Diaspora was making its presence felt in the world.

He said the purpose of organising Know India Programme (KIP) was to provide a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to share their views, expectations and experience, and get an exposure to the diversities of contemporary India.

The participants would visit various historical and tourist places and closely feel the Indian culture.

The Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth, popularly known as KIP, is an on-going programme of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

This is a 3-4 week comprehensive orientation programme organised, 2-3 times a year including one with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held every year.

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh have been partner states in the past editions of KIP.

The 6th KIP is being organised from December 19 to January 9 next in partnership with the Kerala government and with Non-Resident Keralites Association (NORKA) as the nodal agency in the state.

The Ministry is also organising the visit of another group of 30 Diaspora youths.

The second KIP Group will join the first group on January 3.

Both groups will be participating in the Youth Session in the forthcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which will be held from December 7-9, 2007.

Thereafter the 2nd group will undertake a week-long visit to Rajasthan. That part has been organised by the Ministry and the Rajasthan government.

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