Happiness pointers from Finland
To highlight various factors that make Finland the ‘happiest’ country in the world, an event was recently organised by the Embassy of Finland
Dalai Lama XIV once said, "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."
Maybe that is what United Nations realised and took an initiative in 2013 to celebrate International Day of Happiness as a way to recognise importance of happiness in the lives of people.
Celebrated on March 20 every year, this year's theme – 'happier together' will focus on what each country has in common, rather than what divides us.
Among the world's happiest countries, Finland ranks number one. So, to talk about what makes Finland one of its kind, and of course the happiest place in the world, 'Visit Finland' – an organisation which promotes Finalnd tourism recently organised a conference in the Capital in collaboration with the Embassy of Finland.
Event witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities such as Nina Vaskunlahti, Ambassador of Finland; Dr Jukka Holappa, Commercial Counsellor India; Sari Hey, Head of PR and Media – Asia and Australia, Visit Finland, and Sara Sodhi Juneja, Country Head - India, Visit Finland.
It highlighted Finland as a location in the crossroads of West and East that provides a great opportunity for travellers to experience Finland.
Putting her views forward, Nina Vaskunlahti, Ambassador of Finland said that the country has reinvented itself in just one short century – from a largely agrarian society to a high tech country. Also, its national character and heritage have boosted the country's position, thereby placing it at the top of country rankings –from the quality of life to clean air.
"We are very excited to be here in India and we look forward to welcoming more tourists and travel industry professionals to visit Finland to experience the country themselves," she added.
Not to forget that besides 40 national parks, 188,000 lakes and over two million saunas, the world happiest country also offers some of the world's unique experiences of staying in glass igloos and snow hotels, suitable space to enjoy nature activities such as berry picking, and the beautiful sight of 'Fortress of Suomenlinna' – which is one among the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country.
Highlighting how India contributed in the ever increasing tourism market of Finland, Sara Sodhi Juneja, Country Head – India, Visit Finland stated, "Finland received a very warm welcome in the Indian market with the arrivals from India to Finland growing by 15% in 2018. We are focusing on developing Finland as an all year destination for Indians with the four unique seasons."
With the idea of sharing happiness, the country looks forward to the increasing tourists, and hopes that every person in this world becomes happy.
World Happiness Report suggests that happiness is subjective. You can create it and share it with your loved ones. Researchers who study the science of happiness have rightly said that the key ingredients for happiness include a positive mental state, healthy body, and strong social connections. So, take the first step this happiness day and spread smiles.
