The Norwegian Ambassador to India, Hon’ble Mr Hans Jacob Frydenlund, and his team met with HH Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary-General of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance during their two day stay at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. During their visit they participated in the divine Ganga Aarti, morning Yoga sessions, Ganga Snan, sacred Yagya and water blessing ceremony.

They discussed various topics surrounding water conservation and sustainable development with Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, sharing that they will be visiting the region more in the coming years as the modern underground tunnel project designed to improve the connectivity of the sacred pilgrimage regions of Uttarakhand and the Char Dhams progresses. Interested in supporting the economic development of the Himalayan region with sustainable technology, Norway is providing Centre and State Governments technical expertise on building railways in ways that are least impactful and harmful to the region. Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji were so glad to hear about their work.

Joining HE the Ambassador were Counsellor of the Royal Norwegian Embassy Ms. Marit Marie Strand; Senior Advisor Dr Vivek Kumar; and, Mr Rajinder Kumar Bhasin, NGI. They received a beautiful Rudraksha sapling from Pujya Swamiji to plant when they return to their Embassy as an ever-lasting and green souvenir of their visit.