And for a Friday ….. on a short vacation in Scandinavia ….. some thoughts ….some musings……..
Norway ….Sweden & Denmark are referred as Scandinavian countries ….more for their historical ties …geographical proximity & intertwined languages ……these are far richer countries higher standards of living than Europe ..….. imagine ….US has a GDP of 66,000 $s per capita whereas Norway has 1,10,000 $s … almost double of US & …. well …..India is currently at 3000$s per capita ….. but we have already become worlds 4th largest economy…… herein lies the challenge & ……the Potential for India ……like Europe …..these Scandinavian countries too are Welfare states with an increasingly ageing population & since World War 2 ….. being part of NATO had no substantial defence expenditures ……in the current fast changing geopolitical /socioeconomic scenarios with the strained US-NATO relations …. & the rising Economic dominance of China particularly in the manufacturing & job creating sectors ….. India has opened unique opportunities with signing the India-Norway FTA under the broader TEPA agreement which will bring in more than 100 Bn $ of investments to India …….:& open Indian markets for Scandinavian countries with necessary safety railguard …. A WIN-WIN formula ……
Norway is typical of countries in these regions …… National population of 6.5 mn …..the capital city Oslo just about one mn people ……with discovery of Oil & Gas & a Sovereign Wealth Fund of over two Trillion $s ( largest in the World) is a super rich country needing new partnerships & newer trade & social relationships …….one of the most naturally beautiful places Norway encompasses Mountains.. Glaciers ..deep coastal Fjords… the magical Northern lights & ofcourse the famous Viking heritage……English is taught in schools as second language from the Primary classes … hence almost everyone speaks English which for Indians is a huge comforting factor compared to other popular European destinations……. promoting Norwegian nationalism …. every child celebrating his/her birthday party must hoist the National flag in the house & also have miniature Norwegian flags on the birthday cakes ….. 👍👍…. every country fiercely protects & promotes its National identity ……..
Travelling is enriching & always a learning experience ….. increasingly Indians are travelling in larger numbers …. Let us all promote India’s national brand as “ Vasudeva Kuttumbam” ….the Peaceful way …..the Sustainable way …. the SEEGOS way.