89th Edition Know India Programme for Indian Diaspora Youth (South Africa)

Deadline: 27-Aug-2026

Know India Programme 2026: Overview

The Know India Programme (KIP) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, launched in 2003–04 to strengthen engagement between India and its young diaspora. The programme gives young Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) an opportunity to reconnect with their Indian heritage while experiencing the country’s contemporary development, culture, innovation, and economic progress. The 89th edition of the Know India Programme is specifically designed for young people aged 18 to 23, including scholars and innovators. The programme will take place from 15 to 29 September 2026 and will provide participants with an immersive experience of India’s art, heritage, culture, economic development, start-up ecosystem, science, technology, and innovation. What Is the Know India Programme? The Know India Programme (KIP) is a Government of India initiative that seeks to strengthen the connection between India’s young diaspora and their ancestral country. Launched in 2003–04, the programme has been developed as a structured platform through which eligible young Indians living overseas can learn about India’s history, heritage, culture, economic development, and contemporary achievements. The programme goes beyond cultural tourism. It introduces participants to the changing face of India and provides exposure to the country’s development and innovation ecosystem. What Is the 89th Know India Programme? The 89th Know India Programme is the latest edition described in the programme announcement and is scheduled to take place from 15 September to 29 September 2026. The edition focuses on young PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs aged 18–23, with particular relevance to scholars and innovators. During the programme, participants will have opportunities to explore India’s cultural heritage while learning about its transformation across areas such as: - Art and cultural heritage. - Indian traditions and history. - Economic development. - Innovation and entrepreneurship. - Emerging start-ups. - Science and technology. - India’s evolving development landscape. - The vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Why Does the Know India Programme Matter? The Indian diaspora represents a significant global community with cultural, professional, academic, and economic connections to India. For younger generations who may have grown up outside India, maintaining a meaningful connection with their heritage can be challenging. The Know India Programme addresses this gap by providing direct exposure to India.

The programme helps participants:

- Reconnect with their Indian roots. - Understand India’s cultural diversity. - Experience Indian heritage firsthand. - Learn about India’s economic growth. - Explore India’s technology and innovation ecosystem. - Understand the development of India’s start-up sector. - Discover progress in science and technology. - Gain a contemporary understanding of India. - Develop stronger links with their ancestral country. What Is the Main Objective of KIP? The central objective of KIP is to strengthen engagement between young members of the Indian diaspora and India. The programme seeks to create a deeper understanding of India’s: - Cultural heritage. - Historical traditions. - Economic transformation. - Scientific achievements. - Technological development. - Innovation ecosystem. - Entrepreneurship landscape. - Contemporary society. For the 89th edition, this objective is also connected to India’s long-term development vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. What Is Viksit Bharat @2047? Viksit Bharat @2047 refers to India’s vision of becoming a developed country by the year 2047, marking 100 years of India’s independence. The Know India Programme uses exposure to India’s development and achievements to help young diaspora members understand the country’s long-term transformation.

Participants can gain insight into areas such as

- Economic growth. - Digital transformation. - Scientific advancement. - Technology and innovation. - Entrepreneurship. - Start-up development. - Infrastructure and modernisation. - Cultural and creative industries. What Can Participants Experience? The programme provides exposure to both India’s traditional heritage and its modern development. Important areas highlighted through the programme include: Indian Art and Heritage Participants can develop a deeper understanding of India’s artistic traditions, historical heritage, cultural diversity, and traditional practices. Indian Culture KIP helps participants experience India’s diverse cultural traditions and develop a stronger personal connection with their Indian roots. Economic Development The programme introduces participants to India’s economic progress and transformation across different sectors. Innovation and Technology Young scholars and innovators can gain exposure to India’s growing research, technology, and innovation ecosystem. Start-Up Ecosystem Participants can learn about India’s emerging start-ups, entrepreneurship culture, and technology-driven business development. Science and Technology The programme highlights India’s progress in scientific research, technological development, and innovation. Who Is Eligible for the Know India Programme? The 89th Know India Programme is open to young members of the Indian diaspora who satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) - Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) - Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

Applicants must be:

- 18 to 23 years old. - Members of one of the eligible diaspora categories. - Interested in learning about India’s heritage and contemporary development. - Eligible under the detailed requirements of the 89th edition. The programme specifically includes scholars and innovators within its target audience. Applicants should verify their status and all edition-specific require