The Arctic Expedition

The Arctic Circle around the Earth’s geographic North Pole covers an ocean surrounded by the large landmasses of Eurasia and North America above its imaginary line. It is covered by frozen sea ice and massive glaciers mostly throughout the year and almost completely in winter. The Arctic is an extremely harsh and cold region of planet Earth. It experiences 24 hour of sunlight during summer and several months of darkness during winter. 

Its circular line passes through the northern most parts of eight different countries around the Earth - Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark (Greenland), Canada, USA (Alaska), and Russia. This region accounts for nearly 4% of the Earth’s surface and has a circumference of roughly 15987 kilometers. Its unique ecosystems support a diverse variety of both marine and terrestrial life. 

The Arctic Expedition

An adventure filled journey to explore the lives, cultures and wonders of the arctic region, carrying with us the message of ecological mindfulness and climatic awareness. A purposeful travel and expedition, fostering the spirit of global brotherhood and cultural goodwill from India.

Community Engagement: We propose to schedule interactions with different communities and groups of people in three cities (Helsinki, Stockholm and Oslo), before heading into the uninhabited frozen landscapes of the Inner Arctic towards the North Pole.

These interactions will feature a specially produced 5–7 minute video presentation (English and Nordic languages). It will aim to inspire a new thought and perspective towards our planet’s ecological cycles and alarming concerns by revealing the message from India’s ancient Vedas.

"Nature is divine and the act of conserving its balance is the scared duty of every human on Earth"

"Humans are urged not to injure the environment which is the ultimate driving force that nourishes life on Earth"

This doctrine is deeply rooted in a holistic philosophy of our ancient Vedas, which also explain the inter connection between all the elements and resources of nature. 

Purpose: Our effort will be to share with people, India’s Vedic wisdom and understanding of the planet Earth and how those ancient principals could help to conserve nature, regulate climatic changes and make our world a healthier place to live. The video will also highlight the topographical, cultural and spiritual appeal of India.

Routing: The expedition aspires to progress through selected Arctic terrains and regions. It will also touch some of the most uncharted territories in the Arctic, evoking moments of maritime explorers and adventurers who centuries ago, created history in the North Polar region.

Arctic Finland, Arctic Sweden, Arctic Norway, Arctic Iceland, Arctic Denmark (Greenland), our journey will also take us to Svalbard (Norwegian Territory) which lies closest to the geographical North Pole. 

Duration: The journey is expected to take 6-7 weeks. It will be meticulously planned, bearing in mind various factors and many vital details (including weather pattern, delays, emergencies, rescue, SOS arrangement (satellite distress beacons), communication, medical aid and reach, lodgings, food stocks, clothings, languages interpretation, other). It will be a thoughtfully curated travel plan. 

Travel: It would involve travelling by International and local flights, trains, cruise ships and ferries, icebreaker vessels, zodiacs, helicopters, 4WD land vehicles, other kinds of transportations viz. bushplanes, snowmobiles and dogsledges. 

Many of our fraternity member friends in various countries are excited about the initiative, and some of them have already decided to join us (5-6 days) during the different legs of the journey. Some from our own country are also eager to join us in this lifetime adventure, with a few of them expected to confirm later this year. 

Two of our Norwegian friends are arranging a full day and an evening with senior members of the Arctic Council, who oversee biodiversity safeguards. 

We are also arranging to meet some members of Inuit Circumpolar Council for a closer insight into the Polar region's evolutionary history, covering the dramatic shift from its lush-carbon-rich ancient ecosystems to its hostile ice-covered extremes of today.