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A 3-week Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth (IPDY) organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) began here today. 25 Overseas Indian youths from 9 countries & 12 cities, assembled from various parts of the world, are taking part in the 3-week programme from 22 August- 11 September 2005.
The youths are in the age group 16-26 years and belong to US, Thailand, Canada, South Africa, Fiji, Malaysia, Israel, UK and Zambia. They are invited in their desire to know more about India and bond with the country of their ancestors. The participants will be given a comprehensive orientation to diverse aspects of Indian Society.
The basic objectives of the programme are to create awareness about the progress and transformation taking place in the country and to constructively engage the Diaspora youths with India.
Similar programmes were earlier organized during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2004 and 2005. This is the first IPDY to be held in a stand-alone manner. From now on the IPDY will be a regular feature of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and will be held 2-3 times every year.
During the programme the youths will be exposed to the arts, culture and heritage of India and the economic and social progress the country is making. They will visit several premier institutions in the field of art & culture, history & heritage, science & technology, education, health care & media. They will also be visiting Agra and Jaipur as part of sightseeing & study of India’s history & heritage.
A special feature of the programme is a 10 day attachment in the State of Uttranchal, where the participants will be exposed to the process of development and governance at the state & grass root levels and interact with the premier institutions & civil society bodies in the state & federal levels.
AK/SK/JA
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