THE High Commission of India in Georgetown selected four young Guyanese Nationals to participate in the 64th edition of the Know India Programme (KIP), which was conducted over three weeks, from January 3 – 24, 2023 in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Those selected were: Ms. Sumintra Ram, a Collateral Analyst from East Coast Demerara; Ms. Devika Gurucharran, a Community Development Officer from East Coast Demerara; Ms. Maria Fraser, a Marine Scientist from Berbice; and Mr. Lakhram Mahadeo, an Administrative Officer of East Coast Demerara.

On Friday, December 30, 2022, the participants met and interacted with the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Dr. KJ Srinivasa, and were encouraged to use 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 January 8 – 10, 2023, which saw among those in attendance President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023. The KIP participants were also present at the three-day extravaganza.

The 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 recognised University/Institute, or being 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 seen India before will be given preference.

Meanwhile, two officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) also met and interacted with the High Commissioner of India in December 2022.

Corporal Terrence Collins was selected to pursue the Junior Leader Course in India at the Junior Leader Academy in Bareilly, Western Uttar Pradesh. Corporal Collins, who hails from Corentyne, Berbice departed Guyana in December 2022, and will remain in India for 50 days until February 9, 2023.

Sergeant Arthur Scipio, of East Bank Demerara, was also selected and departed for India in January 2023 to commence his month-and-a-half training in the Platoon Commander Course at the Junior Leader Academy in Karnataka, Bengaluru.

The High Commission of India noted that the Government of India will continue to strengthen its bond with Guyana, and promote India-Guyana defence collaboration by offering military, technical and leadership scholarships.