Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 5: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today held a nearly hour long lively interaction with a group of Indian diaspora youth, in the age group of 18 to 30 years, from eight different countries across the world.
The interaction, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, as a part of the “Know India” programme, consisted of 40 young participants from Fiji, Guiana, Mauritius, Portugal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Surinam and Trinidad & Tobago. All of them belong to the Indian families which have settled in these countries for over four to five generations.
The “Know India Programme” is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, with the objective of familiarizing the India Diaspora youth with developments and achievements made by India and bringing them closer to the land of their ancestors. The programme provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share their views, expectations and experiences and to bond closely with the contemporary India.
Dr Jitendra Singh interacted with the youth and discussed with them, experiences of their visit to India. He said, this programme provides an opportunity to these youth to learn about and know their roots and share experiences. He spoke about the role of ‘people to people’ connect in improving the relations between the countries. He said, the world has now shrunk due to improved connectivity that has reduced the physical barriers. The new modes of communication have resulted in direct connect with people across international boundaries.
The participants said that the “Know India” programme had helped them understand the Indian traditions, heritage and their family connections. They also recalled the visits paid by their elders and their families to India in the past. The youth also shared the influences which they have from India e.g. IT industry, Bollywood, Indian cuisine and sports etc. The Minister also discussed with them other aspects including their educational and professional background, the Indian Statestates to which their ancestors belong etc.
The participants who are on a visit to India from 23rd January to 16th February, have visited Maharashtra, Daman & Diu and Agra. Now they are in Delhi where they will visit historical monuments and cultural places.
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