Mother India Calls: Indian Diaspora Students In US To Visit Their Homeland To Strengthen Connection To Roots

An Indian-American organisation, in its attempt to connect students of Indian descent to their homeland, has announced a three-week fully funded scholarship programme for them to travel to India, reports Financial Express.

The programme, titled “Heritage India”, is funded by two non-profit organisations Indiaspora and 360+. It aims to build closer relations between India and its diaspora.

According to the report, the programme will offer fully funded scholarships to eight high school students to visit India. The theme of the programme is “India’s Riches: History, Culture, Diversity, & Democracy”.

The students will visit New Delhi, Gujarat and Kerala, three culturally and geographically diverse areas. The curriculum will include discussions, interactive exhibits and a service project.

It will be open to high school students of age between 15 to 18 years at the time of the trip, which will take place from 21 July to 10 August.

“Heritage is such an integral part of someone’s identity. We are proud to announce this program, which will give these students a potentially life-changing experience,” Indiaspora’s philanthropy initiatives manager Gabrielle Trippe was quoted in the report as saying.

Describing the programme as a bridging exercise for the second and third generation diaspora who are often disconnected with their roots, Gabrielle said that this trip will provide an opportunity to the students to bridge the gap.

The trip will be overseen by Sridar Iyengar, Owner of 360+. “There is an underserved part of our community who may not be able to experience India. We hope this birthright program will provide them the means,” Iyengar said.