LONDON, February 2: His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, is on a three-day visit to India starting Sunday, as announced by Buckingham Palace, to highlight the enduring connections between the two nations.
Edward, the youngest sibling of King Charles III, will be visiting Mumbai and Delhi to advocate for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which was established by their late father, Prince Philip, in 1956.
This award is known in India as the International Award for Young People (IAYP), functioning as a framework for non-formal education designed to help youth “discover their purpose, place, and passion in the world.”
According to the palace’s official statement, “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh is in India from Sunday, February 2 to Tuesday, February 4, to celebrate the connections between the UK and India while supporting young people and promoting the importance of non-formal education.”
During his stay, he is scheduled to engage with young award participants, as well as Indian educators, business leaders, and philanthropists. He will also attend events that highlight the shared interests of the UK and India in sports and the arts, focusing on how these avenues can empower young individuals to achieve their fullest potential.
Prince Edward, who assumed the title of Duke of Edinburgh in March 2023, marks the first official royal visit from the UK to India since King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, visited in November 2019.
The IAYP, which began in India in 1962, has reportedly benefited over 150,000 students across 325 schools and educational institutions nationwide. It is recognized as the leading youth achievement award globally, blending practical experiences and life skills to foster responsible global citizens, preparing them for life ahead.
The IAYP is regarded as “the premier Experiential Learning Programme within today’s educational landscape, enabling youth to uncover their passions, purposes, and roles in the world,” as stated in an IAYP announcement.
Operating as a non-governmental organization (NGO), the IAYP is a full member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Association.
The award is facilitated through Youth Engaging in Society (‘YES’) Centres and Open Award Centres (OAC), primarily made up of schools and educational institutions. These YES Centres are authorized under an agreement to implement the award, contributing to the comprehensive development of young individuals across India. (PTI)
