Selected for the Know India Programme, Sahil Dhiman reconnects with India while shaping his future in Australia.

At 22, Sahil Dhiman stands at a meaningful crossroads. Raised in Australia from the age of three, and deeply connected to his Indian heritage, the young Australian citizen of Indian origin has been selected to participate in the 85th edition of the Know India Programme, a prestigious initiative of the Government of India aimed at strengthening ties with young members of the global Indian diaspora.
For Sahil, the selection is not simply an accolade. It is an invitation to understand where he comes from, and how that heritage shapes where he is going.
“Being selected for the Know India Programme is a very important moment for me,” Sahil says. “As an Australian of Indian origin, this opportunity allows me to learn more about my roots and understand India more closely. It has come at a stage of my life where learning and personal growth matter a lot.”

Representing Australia, Sahil received his official travel ticket from Dr. Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne. It was a moment that transformed the experience from aspiration into reality.
“Receiving my travel ticket from Dr. Sushil Kumar was a proud and special moment,” he reflects. “It made the journey feel real. Being recognised as a representative of Australia’s Indian community made me feel honoured and deeply thankful for the support and encouragement I received.”
Growing up in Australia has given Sahil a strong sense of confidence and independence, shaped by a multicultural society that values openness and opportunity. Yet, like many second-generation migrants, his Indian identity has remained firmly anchored in family, culture, and tradition.
“Growing up here has given me a broader outlook,” he says. “At the same time, my Indian roots have stayed strong through family and culture. Through this journey, I hope to understand India better — its people, traditions, and progress — and strengthen my connection with my heritage.”
The Know India Programme offers participants a rare opportunity to engage directly with India’s institutions, history, and contemporary development. For Sahil, the experience represents more than travel. It is a chance for reflection and recalibration.

“When I think about this journey, I hope to return with a broader understanding and clearer thinking about my future,” he says. “I want to grow personally and appreciate India’s values, culture, and development in a deeper way.”
Beyond personal growth, Sahil is conscious of the responsibility that comes with being selected for such a programme. His journey, he believes, can serve as a bridge for other young overseas Indians navigating questions of identity and belonging.
“After completing the programme, I hope to share my experience with other young overseas Indians,” he says. “I want to encourage them to stay connected with their roots, learn more about India, and take part in opportunities that help build stronger ties between India and the global Indian community.”
For the Indian community in Australia, Sahil’s selection is a quiet but powerful reminder of the growing role young people play in shaping future relationships between countries, cultures, and generations.
As Sahil prepares to embark on this journey, his story reflects a broader narrative shared by many young Indian Australians. One of curiosity rather than distance. Of connection rather than nostalgia. And of a generation confident enough to explore its heritage while firmly rooted in the country it calls home.
-Tonee Sethi