The City of Oulu—known as the “northern capital of Finland”—recently extended a special invitation to Mr. Harbinder “Haru” Mehra, CEO of Le Frehindi, Paris. The visit aimed to give him first-hand insights into the region’s educational and cultural strengths, while exploring future collaborations between Finland and India.
Over three days, Mr. Mehra experienced a blend of school and university visits, nature-based activities, and cultural exchanges. What unfolded was more than a study tour—it was the foundation of meaningful partnerships that could connect students, teachers, and institutions across continents.
Day 1: Arrival and Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark
On arrival at Oulu Airport, Mr. Mehra was warmly welcomed by Ms. Johanna Salmela from the City of Oulu, who hosted him throughout the visit.
The first stop was Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark, a region of stunning natural beauty and environmental importance. Discussions here centered on linking Rokua with protected regions in India, particularly in the Himalayas. Mr. Mehra highlighted how such partnerships could enrich cross-cultural learning, especially for young people exposed to global sustainability practices.
The day also included visits to Rokua Health & Spa and the Wilderness Hotel Rokuanhovi, run by an ex-Olympic ski champion. The lakeside setting and the inspiring story of its owner left a lasting impression, showing the potential of such locations for hosting student and teacher groups.
After a light dinner at Nature Dream Days, the evening concluded with check-in at GreenStar Hotel in Oulu—a sustainable property that seamlessly integrates environmental responsibility into Finnish hospitality.
Day 2: Resorts, Nature Walks, and Bird Sanctuaries
The second day began at Taiga Resort, a riverside family home converted into a boutique-style retreat. Its warm hospitality struck Mr. Mehra as ideal for Indian students traveling abroad for the first time, offering both safety and comfort.
From there, the group moved to Loppula for a guided nature walk with Ms. Rita, who introduced Finland’s unique “Everyman’s Right”—the freedom to roam and enjoy nature regardless of land ownership. Around a campfire, sausages were grilled in the traditional Finnish way, a simple yet profound cultural experience.
In the afternoon, attention turned to Liminka Bay, one of Northern Europe’s most celebrated birdwatching destinations. Its vast wetlands and migratory birdlife offered an immersive ecological lesson. Here, Mr. Mehra met the principal of a Liminka school who, despite it being a Saturday, joined the meeting and expressed strong interest in welcoming Indian students.
The day ended at Nallikari by the Sea, where Mr. Mehra tried kayaking for the very first time. The calm waters made the experience both safe and enjoyable, reinforcing its suitability for Indian student groups.
That evening, over an Indian dinner with Mr. Mikko Kiuttu from Rokua Geopark, discussions on long-term Indo-Finnish partnerships deepened, highlighting the shared benefits of cultural and educational exchanges.
Day 3: Education at the Core
The final morning focused on education, with meetings at Radisson Blu Hotel, Oulu, involving representatives from:
- City of Oulu Educational and Cultural Department
- Oulu University Teacher Training School
- OSAO, Oulu Vocational College
- University of Oulu
These conversations opened new avenues for collaboration—ranging from teacher training and vocational exchanges to research-based partnerships. Each meeting reinforced the openness of Finnish institutions to host Indian students and teachers.
Key Takeaways
UNESCO Geopark Partnerships – Strong potential to link Rokua Geopark with Indian geoparks and Himalayan conservation zones for joint projects and student exchanges.
Student-Centric Hospitality – Resorts like Taiga and Rokuanhovi offer safe, nurturing environments, crucial for first-time international travelers.
Immersive Outdoor Education – Activities such as kayaking, birdwatching, and nature walks provide hands-on ecological learning, perfectly suited for experiential education.
Institutional Willingness – Schools, universities, and vocational colleges in Oulu showed clear intent to host Indian students and teachers.
Shared Cultural Touchpoints – The blend of Indian and Finnish hospitality, reinforced through meals and conversations with educators and municipal leaders, created genuine human connections.
A Step Toward Indo-Finnish Educational Bridges
The educational visit to Oulu was not just an inspection tour—it was an exercise in building bridges. As Mr. Mehra reflected:
“The warmth of the people, the openness of the institutions, and the immersive natural experiences make Oulu a perfect destination for Indo-European collaboration in education.”
With its foundations in sustainability, trust, and high-quality education, Oulu is poised to become a strategic partner in Le Frehindi’s mission of creating meaningful global exposure for youth. The discussions during these three days will now be translated into concrete programs—teacher training, student exchanges, and joint cultural projects—that promise to strengthen ties between Finland and India.
As Mr. Mehra departed for Paris, it was clear that Oulu had not only sown the seeds but also nurtured the soil for a flourishing Indo-Finnish partnership.
