Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) will host the 35th Know India Programme 2016-17 (KIP) from May 5-14, 2016. The 35th Know India Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India is targeted at diaspora youth of Indian Origin (excluding NRIs). The programme is conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country. Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, deputy general manager, MTDC, is the designated nodal officer for co-ordination of this programme in the state.
Participation from students and young professionals of Indian origin from South Africa, Myanmar, Israel, Egypt, Mauritus, Malaysia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Trinidad & Tobago is confirmed until now. KIP provide will provide a unique forum for them to visit places of historical importance, industrial sites, villages and participate in cultural programmes in India.
Based on recommendations received from heads of Indian missions/posts abroad, about 35 Indian diaspora youth in the age group of 18-26 years, are selected for each programme.
Commenting on the programme, Valsa Nair Singh, principal secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra, said, “We are glad that Maharashtra is hosting the 35th Know India Programme, a great initiative by Ministry of External Affairs, which gives us a platform to showcase the different offerings of Maharashtra Tourism. The participants can have a firsthand experience of the historical, cultural, industrial, technology, academic and key tourist sites in the state. It is our chance to place Maharashtra on a global map and this initiative will be instrumental in strengthening the bilateral ties with these countries.”
Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, managing director, MTDC, commented, “As the hosting state, it is our great responsibility that the participants from various countries visiting Maharashtra get to experience the best facets of Indian and Maharashtrian culture, heritage and art. We will ensure that their journey in our state will be an enriching and rewarding experience. MTDC had hosted this programme successfully in 2005 and 2010 and this year again we have got the responsibility to provide a unique platform to these young professionals to share their views, expectations and experiences and to develop closer bonds with the contemporary India.”
Satish Soni, director of tourism, Government of Maharashtra and joint managing director, MTDC, who is at the apex of planning this programme commented, “We are aggressively promoting Maharashtra Tourism in countries like USA, UK, Japan, Germany and Canada and meticulously working towards establishing Maharashtra as the best tourism state in India. This programme will be a step in achieving our goal of establishing Maharashtra as the number one tourism state to visit in India.”
Maharashtra government in association with MTDC, will ensure that the participants visit places of historic, culture, industrial, academic and tourist importance like world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora, Elephanta Island and elaborate sight seeing of Mumbai including visits to Global Vipassana Pagoda, BSE, BNHS, Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahlay, Film City, Mani Bhavan, Gateway of India and more. The participants will be welcomed and hosted for dinner on day one by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accompanied by Valsa Nair Singh, and Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, at State Guest House (Sahyadri).
The participants will get an opportunity to experience the Royal Indian Train, Deccan Odyssey to travel to Aurangabad, Pench National Park, Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Ajanta Caves, Wakod Village and tour through Godavari Ghats and vineyards in Nasik.
