Indiaspora Heritage Connect Program

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Discover Your Roots. Build Connections. Experience India.

An exclusive 12-day heritage and leadership program for Indian diaspora high school juniors and seniors (aged 17 to 19) from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Australia.

APPLY HERE
Part I: Google Form – Complete and submit online
Part II: Program Application Form – Complete and email to heritageconnect@indiaspora.org

Why This Program?

Reconnect with your heritage through a thoughtfully curated journey across India’s rich history, vibrant culture and contemporary society.

Designed by Indiaspora, this immersive program brings together a select cohort of young leaders of Indian origin to deepen their understanding of their roots, engage with inspiring changemakers and build lifelong friendships.


Program Highlights

  • Visit Bal Ashram and learn about the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion
  • An exclusive audience with Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi (To be confirmed)
  • Visit SMGC’s Compassionate Communities and interact with youth leaders and local changemakers
  • Explore Delhi’s iconic historical landmarks
  • Experience the grandeur of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
  • Connect with fellow Indian diaspora students from around the world
  • Reflect on identity, leadership and social impact
  • Build lifelong friendships and a deeper connection with your heritage

Itinerary (Tentative)

Day 1 : New Delhi
• Arrival & Orientation

Day 2: Delhi: Heritage Exploration
• Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat & Lodhi Gardens

Day 3 to Day 5: Viratnagar, Rajasthan
• Bal Ashram & Meeting with Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi

Day 6 & 7: Jaipur
• Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace

Day 8: New Delhi: Democratic India
• Parliament House, Kartavya Path, India Gate

Day 9: New Delhi: Contemporary India
• Leading NGO and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art
• Interaction with a Start-up Founder

Day 10: Agra
• Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

Day 11: New Delhi: Culture & Commerce
• Dilli Haat, Connaught Place

Day 12: New Delhi: Spiritual & Historical India
• Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb

Day 13
• Departure


Who Should Apply?

Applicants should fulfill the following criteria:

  • Be juniors or seniors enrolled in a high school
  • Be 17–19 years old
  • Be of Indian origin
  • Be curious about India’s history and culture
  • Enjoy learning from diverse perspectives
  • Be enthusiastic about engaging with fellow participants

What Makes This Program Unique?

  • Exclusive interaction with a Nobel Peace Prize winner
  • Behind-the-scenes exposure to India’s social sector
  • Small, carefully selected cohort
  • Meaningful reflection sessions
  • Curated cultural experiences
  • Opportunities to build lifelong global friendships
  • Designed and conducted by Indiaspora

Application Process

1. Complete and submit the online Google Form.
2. Download the Program Application, complete it, and email it to heritageconnect@indiaspora.org.
3. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview.
4. Selected candidates will be notified following the interview process.


Dates

Program Dates: 21st December 2026 to 1st January 2027

  • Application Opens: 15th August 2026
  • Application Deadline: 30th September 2026
  • Interview Period: 1st to 15th October 2026
  • Final Selection: 20th October 2026
  • Program Dates: 21st December 2026 to 1st January 2027
  • Departure: 2nd January 2027

Fees

Program Fee: $5500

What is included:

  • Accommodation in New Delhi, Jaipur, and at Bal Ashram, Viratnagar (Rajasthan)
  • Local transportation
  • Meals
  • Program activities
  • Entry tickets
  • Airport transfers

Not included:

  • Pre-departure expenses
  • International airfare
  • Visa
  • Travel & Medical Insurance
  • Personal expenses

Please Note:A limited number of scholarships may be available based on merit and financial need, with means testing as part of the evaluation process. The scholarship covers only the program costs in India and does not cover pre-departure or travel-related expenses. For details, please email us at heritageconnect@indiaspora.org to request the Scholarship Application Form.


FAQs

Do I need an OCI?
• No. An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is not required to participate in the program. Students who do not hold an OCI card will need to obtain the appropriate visa to travel to India.

What visa is required?
• Participants who do not hold an OCI card will need a valid tourist visa or e-Tourist Visa to enter India. Students are responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documents before departure.

Is the program supervised?
• Yes. The program is fully supervised by the Indiaspora team. Participants will be accompanied by designated staff members and chaperones throughout the program.

How is the safety of students ensured during the program?
• Student safety and well-being are our top priorities. Students will be accompanied and supervised by designated adult chaperones throughout the program, including during travel, activities, and visits. We will also have appropriate safety protocols and emergency procedures in place.

What is the accommodation like?
• Participants will stay in safe, comfortable and fully supervised accommodations. Students will be accommodated on a twin-sharing basis with fellow participants, and all arrangements will be managed by the program team.

Are scholarships available?
• A limited number of scholarships may be available based on merit and financial need, with means testing as part of the evaluation process. Further details are available in the application form.

How many students will be selected?
• The program is designed for a small and highly selective cohort of 12 to 15 students to ensure a meaningful and immersive experience. The final number of a participants will be confirmed after the selection process.

Can parents accompany students?
• No. The program is designed as an independent and immersive experience for students. Parents and guardians are not permitted to accompany participants during the program.

Apply Here