LA Consulate Invites Applications For 88th ‘Know India Program’
India-West News Desk
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Consulate General of India in Los Angeles has invited applications from eligible members of the Indian diaspora for the 88th edition of the Know India Program (KIP), the Government of India’s flagship diaspora engagement initiative administered by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Launched in 2003-04, the program is designed to strengthen the connection between young members of the Indian diaspora and their ancestral homeland by offering first-hand exposure to India’s democratic institutions, economic progress, technological innovation, cultural heritage and growing global role.
The 88th Know India Program will be held from August 16 to 29, 2026, and is aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047.’ This edition is exclusively open to young professionals aged 24 to 28. Each program accommodates 25 participants and runs for two weeks, including travel time.
Eligible applicants include Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), with preference given to those who have not previously visited India, a consulate statement said.
Participants will visit institutions including Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Election Commission while interacting with senior government officials and gaining insight into India’s governance, foreign policy and development priorities.
The itinerary also includes visits to universities, research institutions, industrial facilities and start-up ecosystems, highlighting initiatives such as Digital India, India Stack, Start-up India, Skill India, manufacturing, science and technology, infrastructure and sustainability.
The program also offers cultural immersion through visits to historical monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, yoga and Ayurveda institutions, and performances showcasing India’s classical arts. Participants will travel to one or more states or Union Territories to experience India’s regional diversity and interact with local communities and entrepreneurs.
Consul General of India in Los Angeles Dr. K.J. Srinivasa described KIP as one of the Government of India’s most successful diaspora engagement initiatives, saying participants return with a deeper understanding of a modern India that is innovative, technologically advanced and globally engaged while remaining rooted in its civilizational values.
He added that the program’s impact extends beyond the two-week visit by creating lasting networks among future professionals, entrepreneurs, academics and community leaders who gain a personal understanding of India’s transformation.
