Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Pranab Mukherjee is coming to meet Santa all the way!
President Pranab Mukherjee will visit Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi during his tour to Scandinavian countries Finland and Norway from October 12-16. Mukherjee will not only be the first Indian Head of the State to visit Norway, in fact, he will also be the first Indian President to go across the Arctic circle when he visits Rovaniemi in Finland’s northernmost province, lapland. The Santa Claus Village is a famed amusement park where one can “meet Santa Claus every day”.
During his visit to Norway, President will also interact with Indian scientists and researchers stationed at India’s first Arctic research station `Himadri’ through video conferencing. Himadri being an important research centre for India with regard to studies on climate change, weather forecasting, monsoon etc, India plans to position more scientists at Himadri in future to intensify research activities at the Arctic.
Seven agreements will be signed between India and Norway during the President’s visit focusing around research in earth sciences, education, deep sea activities and trade. With Norway developing thorium nuclear reactors, there is also a possibility of discussions on nuclear safety for India’s own reactors. Norway has huge hydro carbon reserve and India is looking at having some agreements on exploration of oil. Sources said there is also a possibility of an agreement between defence ministry for research activities. Besides, India is looking at increasing its export to Norway.
Norway and Finland have been supportive of India’s aspirations for permanent seat in United Nations Security Council, Nuclear Suppliers Group and India’s elevation to Arctic Council where it became a permanent member in May 2013.
In Finland, President will meet his counterpart Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Alexander Stubb before visiting Rovaniemi, Arktikum museum and Arctic Science Centre. Finland is among the countries that India is considering of giving `visa on arrival.’ With Finland 11 agreements relating to skill development, innovation, fishing, clean technology and waste management and education are lined up. A delegation of educationists is accompanying President to explore ways to improve quality of education in India through best practices adopted by Norway and Finalnd.
Mukherjee will be accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes minister for state for heavy industries P Radhakrishnan, four Members of Parliament, officials and representatives of educational and academic institutions including IIT-Kanpur and Hyderabad University, and the business community.