CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA JOHANNESBURG The Know India Programme (KIP): Dates for upcoming KIPs, and last dates for submission of forms: Click here 1.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. The programme involves a total of three weeks stay in India. Young professionals and students in the age group of 18-26 years can apply. 2. The participants have to pay for the international travel cost from South Africa to New Delhi and back. An amount equivalent to 90% of the one-way economy class / excursion class airfare will be reimbursed by the Consulate after ensuring proof of participation, typically a few months after the programme concludes. The Indian Government will bear expenditure on travel within India, boarding, lodging etc. A daily allowance of Rs.100/- will also be paid to the participants as out of pocket allowance, over and above food, boarding and lodging, which as indicated above, is all covered by India. Typically, these are provided at State Guest houses or at budget hotels. 3. Interested individuals may apply to the Consulate in the prescribed Form available in the Consular Section or here: http://www.indiainsouthafrica.com/KIP-application-form.doc 4. The exact dates of each KIP is conveyed on finalization of the respective programme, at least a month before its commencement. For the rest of this year (2010), two further KIPs have been planned. These programmes are organized in partnership with concerned State Governments while logistical support is provided by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Guidelines and further information on the KIP are also available on the internet at the website of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, here: http://knowindiaprogram.com/ The content of the programme may include the following: (a) Presentations on the country, political process, developments in various sectors, (b) Interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute, (c) Presentation on the industrial development and visits to some Industries, (d) Visit to a village to better understand the typical village life, (e) Exposure to Indian media, (f) Interaction with NGOs and organizations dealing with women affairs, (g) Visit to places of historical importance/Monuments, (h) Taking part in Cultural programmes, (i) Exposure to yoga, (j) Call on high dignitaries, which may include (subject to their availability) the President of India, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and Ministers in-charge of Overseas Indian Affairs, Youth Affairs and Sports. 5. Broad guidelines to be followed while making nominations for KIPs are as under: 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. It is open to PIOs from all over the world. A fair mix of males and females is expected. The total number of participants from all countries with Persons of Indian Origin in any of the Programmes may not exceed 40. In other words, applicants from South Africa may expect around 5-6 positions at best The candidates should either be studying in the under-graduate level or should have completed under-graduation or equivalent. 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] They should have distinguished themselves in a particular field and should have abiding interest in India. They should not have participated in any previous Know India Programme or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth. 6. It may be noted that selected candidates are not permitted to leave the programme mid-way. They are expected to follow the entire programme as a group and stay at places designated/selected for this purpose. 7. Details of the Programme are also available on the Ministry's website http://moia.gov.in as well as on the website http://knowindiaprogram.com/. 8. Interested candidates may submit the application in the prescribed form. Application may be submitted to the Consul General of India in Durban or in Johannesburg, In Johannesburg, these forms may be submitted in person as well to Mr SK Kalra, Consul , after making an appointment with his office.