Young South Africans participate in the Know India Programme

This week, eight young South Africans from KwaZulu-Natal set off for an exciting cultural immersion in India, partaking in the esteemed Know India Programme (KIP).

The three week initiative is designed to reconnect individuals of Indian origin aged between 21 and 35 with their heritage while showcasing India’s vibrant culture and impressive developmental achievements.

The eight were selected by the Consulate General of India, Durban.

The Know India Programme (KIP) seeks to reconnect people of Indian origin aged between 21 and 35 with their ethnic roots, as well as showcase the rich cultural heritage of India and its developmental efforts.

Through the programme, the Indian Ministry endeavours to present various facets of contemporary Indian art, heritage, culture, economy, innovations, start-ups, science and technology, to the Indian Diaspora and strives to motivate and inspire them to contribute and participate in the transformative initiatives of the Government of India.

During the upcoming 86th edition of the KIP, the Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, 3,000 youth from across India and the Indian diaspora will participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) coinciding with the National Youth Festival taking place tomorrow.

Among the participants is Pavitraa Shriram, 25, a physiotherapist from Isipingo, who expressed her enthusiasm about discovering India for the first time.

"I am excited to meet members of the Indian diaspora from different countries and learn from their experiences. Being part of events like the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, and having the opportunity to listen to national leaders and dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is something I feel very grateful for.

"I am also looking forward to visiting Kolkata and understanding India better through this journey, which I believe will help me grow both personally and professionally," said Shriram.

She said she applied to be a part of the programme as it is widely regarded as a prestigious opportunity that offers a meaningful and enriching experience.

"Opportunities to meaningfully connect with India at a national and developmental level are rare. The programme offers a unique platform to engage, learn, and voice perspectives as part of India’s journey forward.

"Being selected feels like a privilege and an honour, especially because the programme is fully supported by the Government of India and covers major costs, making it accessible to deserving participants who may not otherwise have the means to visit India. By learning from India’s experiences and sharing best practices, I hope to bring back insights that could benefit South Africa, fostering collaboration and improving the lives of people in both countries," said Shriram.

She said she's eager to learn about India’s future vision under Viksit Bharat and gain insight into how youth, including the global Indian diaspora, can contribute to inclusive growth, innovation, and nation-building.

"The opportunity to be part of a dialogue addressed by national leaders and dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is especially significant, as it allows overseas Indians to feel seen, heard, and connected to India’s progress," she said.

Durban pharmacist, Anesca Singh, 28, who also left this week, said she was looking forward to exploring India’s culture, heritage, and development initiatives firsthand.

"Visiting Akshardham Mandir to experience its spiritual and artistic traditions will be a highlight. The programme also includes visits to Delhi, Agra, and Kolkata, where I will experience the history and architecture of these cities. Beyond the sites, I hope to connect with fellow participants from around the world and learn from their perspectives.

"I hope to gain insights into leadership, governance, and the role of youth in shaping India’s future. The dialogue will also provide an opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and learn from the experiences of other young leaders," said Singh.

Singh said the programme provides an opportunity to engage with India beyond tourism, gaining insight into its culture, development, and global vision while strengthening my personal connection to my ancestral roots.

Singh, who had visited India in 2018, said that trip sparked a lasting interest in learning more about the country beyond a single visit.

Shaneesa Mohanlal, 33, a human resources manager from Durban North, recently returned from attending the programme in India and described her experience as enriching and deeply transformative.

"It not only enhanced my understanding of India’s heritage, culture, democratic values, technological advancements, and developmental journey; but also fulfilled the very purpose for which I had applied. My participation was intended as a personal tribute, and KIP provided a meaningful platform for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth, making this opportunity profoundly significant to me. 

"Experiencing India first-hand provided deeper insights that went beyond prior knowledge, and my personal outlook of the country evolved significantly through direct engagement with its people, institutions, and real-life situations. The programme’s emphasis on Indian values such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family), left a lasting impression on me. These values were reflected not only in discussions and presentations but also in the warmth and hospitality shown by the people we met," said Mohanlal.

She said the KIP was not just a cultural journey, but an educational, transformative, and inspiring experience that she would recommend to anyone eager to understand and engage with India on a personal and intellectual level.

She said they visited a number of landmarks in India, from historical monuments and cultural hubs to government offices, educational institutes, and even spiritual sites.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE