Know India participants praise visit to India
The 12 participants of the Know India Programme (KIP) expressed delight about their travels to India. This was the 35th KIP, which was a programme organised by the High Commission of India. It aims to associate the younger generation of widely spread out Indians with their land of origin. The programme promotes awareness on India, its socio-cultural diversity and it’s development. One of the participants, Adrina Kumar, gave her feedback saying that it was a phenomenal experience and one she would love to relive. “When I reached India I learned to appreciate things and relate it back to Fiji and my best experience was on the Deccan Odyssey train, being able to be in a Five Star Hotel on the rail. “It was amazing to be in our beds and being able to see the people and buildings pass by and the hospitality was amazing. “One thing I would have never experienced in my life, if I had not gone to India, would be watching a tiger cross in front of our vehicle, which was a normal thing in India,” Ms Kumar said.
Most participants said they felt like they were home with the warm Indian hospitality. Shugandha Goswami, another participant, said it felt like a home away from home. “One thing I cannot forget was the feeling I had when I was returning back to Fiji; was that I was in tears and felt sad leaving India. “This was like a birthday present for me and one of my best experiences and I would love to go back as the sign goes “Incredible India”; it surely is with its diverse culture and tradition. It is amazing.
“India is so rich in their architecture, in their culture, food and every type of diversity and everybody is so proud of their heritage and I could know y because they have such a rich history as well which was very beautiful. “India has left a mark in my heart and I will definitely be going back.” The participants were provided full hospitality and are reimbursed 90 per cent of the economy class airfare to India and back. It was a three-week duration. Edited by Jonathan Bryce