He said that India was proud of the Diaspora youth, who were placed in prominent positions across the globe. He also highlighted the role of the Ministry in linking Diaspora youth with their country of origin.
The minister said while interacting with a group of 24 Diaspora youth participants of 17th Know India Programme (KIP) from seven countries. The Programme was conducted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with State of Punjab.
Ravi said that the programme provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share their views and bond closely with today’s India.
The group also met Pratibha Devisingh Patil, and Chief Election Commissioner S.Y Quraishi and shared their experience in India.
The diaspora youth from Fiji, France, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and USA participated in the Programme. During their stay in Punjab the KIP participants visited the Golden Temple at Amritsar, Gobindgarh Fort, the Wagah Border, the Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala, Hoshiyarpur Village, Bhakra Nangal Dam etc. The participants also met Shivraj Patil, the Governor of Punjab. They also visited many important places in Delhi and Agra.
The 18th KIP is proposed to be held during August – September, 2011 with Goa as the Partner State.
The KIP is organized for Diaspora youth, in the age group of 18-26 years is conducted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The programme is held in partnership with one or two State Governments with a view to promoting awareness on the different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, science & technology, communication and information technology and culture.