The High Commission of India in Georgetown had selected four young Guyanese nationals as the participants of the 64th edition of the Know India Programme (KIP) which was conducted over the course of three weeks from January 3 to 24 in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Those selected were Sumintra Ram, a Collateral Analyst from East Coast Demerara; Devika Gurucharran, a Community Development Officer from East Coast Demerara; Maria Fraser, a Marine Scientist from Berbice and Lakhram Mahadeo, an Administrative Officer of East Coast Demerara.
The participants met and interacted with the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. KJ Srinivasa. They were encouraged to make full use of the initiative to connect with their roots in India- the land of their ancestors.
Madhya Pradesh also hosted this year’s Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) convention from 8-10 January, 2023. The President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali along with his team of Delegation was in attendance and received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023. The KIP participants were also present in the three day extravaganza.
Know India Programme is a flagship programme of the Ministry of External Affairs for engagement with Indian-origin youth (between 18-30 years) to enhance their awareness about India, its cultural heritage and art.
Participants are provided local hospitality like boarding and internal transportation in India and return air tickets from their country of residence to India. The minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University /Institute or enrolled for graduation and the ability to speak in English.
The applicant should not have visited India through any previous Programme of the Government of India. Those who have not visited India before will be given preference.
Two officers of the Guyana Defence Force also met and interacted with the High Commissioner of India in December 2022.
Corporal Terrence Collins was selected to study the Junior Leader Course in India at the Junior Leader Academy in Bareilly, Western Uttar Pradesh. Corporal Collins from Corentyne, Berbice departed Guyana in December 2022 and will remain in India for 50 days till 9th February 2023.
Sergeant Arthur Scipio of East Bank Demerara was also selected and departed to India in January 2023 to commence his month-and-a-half training in Platoon Commander Course at the Junior Leader Academy in Karnataka, Bengaluru.
The Government of India will continue to strengthen its bond with Guyana and promote India-Guyana defence collaboration, by offering scholarships in the military, technical and leadership areas. (Modified press release from Indian High Commission)
