Oulu, Finland — September 2025
The City of Oulu, often called the northern capital of Finland, recently welcomed Mr. Harbinder “Haru” Mehra, CEO of Le Frehindi (Paris), on a special educational visit aimed at showcasing the region’s unique learning and cultural opportunities.
Over three days, Mr. Mehra explored schools, universities, cultural institutions, and natural heritage sites across Oulu, with the shared goal of strengthening Indo-Finnish educational and cultural ties.
Key Highlights of the Visit
Partnerships with UNESCO Geoparks
The visit began at the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark, where Mr. Mehra discussed potential collaborations to link Finland’s geoparks with similar protected regions in India. Such cooperation could pave the way for joint sustainability projects and student exchange programs between the two countries.
Student-Centric Hospitality
Mr. Mehra inspected facilities designed for student groups, including the Wilderness Hotel Rokuanhovi—run by a former Olympic ski champion—and the Taiga Resort, a family-owned riverside property. Both offered safe, nurturing environments well-suited for hosting international students.
Immersive Outdoor Education
Experiential learning stood out as a key theme, with activities such as a guided nature walk in Loppula, traditional Finnish campfire cooking, birdwatching at Liminka Bay, and kayaking at Nallikari. Notably, Mr. Mehra tried kayaking for the first time, praising its safety and suitability for young visitors.
Institutional Engagement
At the Radisson Blu Hotel in Oulu, Mr. Mehra met representatives from the City of Oulu’s Educational and Cultural Department, Oulu University Teacher Training School, OSAO Vocational College, and the University of Oulu. Discussions focused on launching teacher training programs, facilitating student exchanges, and developing collaborative research initiatives.
Cultural Connections
The program also featured meaningful cultural interactions, including shared meals with local leaders. Highlights included a dinner hosted by the head of the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark and exchanges with municipal officials from three regional municipalities. These moments reinforced the cultural affinity and goodwill between Finland and India.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Mehra remarked:
“The warmth of the people of Oulu, the openness of its institutions, and the immersive natural experiences make this region a perfect destination for Indo-European collaboration in education.”
With Finnish institutions showing strong intent and Le Frehindi’s active commitment, plans are now underway to design structured programs in 2026. These initiatives will include student immersion tours, teacher training modules, and cross-cultural projects, further strengthening educational bonds between India and Finland.
Media Contact
Le Frehindi – CEO Office
📧 ceo@lefrehindi.com | 📞 +33 6 01 36 09 96
