The term ‘friluftsliv’ is a Norwegian word, which commonly implies embracing the outdoors. It means spending time in Nature and not being in a rush.  According to Norway Tourism, the term ‘friluftsliv’ was invented by the famous playwright Henrik Ibsen in the 1850s. Ibsen used the term to describe the value of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical well-being. On the contrary, the concept of spending time for recreational purposes has been a part of Norwegian culture for centuries. Philosophically, ‘friluftsliv’ promotes a simple life in Nature without destroying or disturbing it.

In Norway, even little children have several outdoor kindergartens, known as ‘friluftbarnehager’, where they spend about 80 per cent of their time. Other Scandinavian countries also share the same love for outdoors. For instance, Sweden put the entire country on Airbnb in 2017, enforcing the idea that Nature was open for all.

The right to roam is well protected in Norway. An umbrella organisation, Norsk Friluftsliv, promotes the concept by reinforcing public access to Nature.

In India also, Kumaran Mahalingam, who has led three paddling expeditions in the fjords of Norway, has brought this concept to Chennai. He offers paddling camps in lakes across Tamil Nadu, and has an outdoor learning centre at Pichavaram.

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