InNor Consultancy

While Thursday 19th is marked in calendar as the premiere of Dhurandhar 2, it is also the evening when Jhansi ki Rani Lakshmibai amongst others is on the agenda at Deichman Bjørvika at 19:00.

History is full of powerful queens. Learn more about six of them – and vote for your favourite!

Which queen would you bring with you to meet Trump, and which one would you most like to be yourself? Many queens have lived extraordinary and adventurous lives. In this light-hearted scholarly tournament, you will hear about six of them.

Empress Theodora (500–548)
presented by Christine Amadou, Professor of the History of Ideas

Empress Wu Zetian (624–705)
presented by Rune Svarverud, Professor of China Studies

Æthelflæd (c. 870–918)
presented by Kristin Bech, Professor of English Language

Gunnhild, Mother of Kings (c. 950)
presented by Jon Vidar Sigurdsson, Professor of History

Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122–1204)
presented by Christine Meklenborg Nilsen, Professor of French Language

Lakshmibai, Rani (Queen) of Jhansi (1828–1858)
presented by Kathinka Frøystad, Professor of South Asian Studies

After the presentations, there will be a Q&A session and a vote, moderated by Agnete Haaland.
Participation is free of charge, but to secure a seat you must have a ticket. Unused tickets will be released five minutes before the event begins. Doors open 15 minutes prior to the start of the event.

Forskerturnering: Mektige dronninger du bør vite mer om - 19.03.2026 | Deichman Bjørvika | Kjøp billetter | Hoopla Historien er full av mektige dronninger. Lær mer om seks av dem, og stem på din favoritt! Arrangementet er en del av "Makt - Humaniorafestivalen 2026". BILLETTER Billettene blir tilgjengelig én uke før samtalen, torsdag 12. mars kl. 08:00. Det er helt gratis å være med, men vil du være sikret...

Behind the scenes…

Over the past several months, a constructive dialogue has taken place between the Chair of the Indo-Icelandic Business Association (IIBA) and the CEO of InNor Consultancy. The discussions focused on identifying the right timing, season and practical framework for a visit to Oslo, taking into account climate, holidays and other local considerations, while aligning with preparations for the High-Level Business Conclave in Reykjavik.

The request from the visiting delegation was clear; to experience Oslo on the host’s terms and to engage with the Indian diaspora in Norway in a meaningful and authentic way.

The response was equally clear. The programme should be built around three elements:
• a cultural and historical perspective linking Iceland, Norway and India across time
• informal dialogue with members of the Indian community and partners, combined with a glimpse of the everyday pulse of Oslo
• a structured institutional meeting hosted preferably by the embassy or another institutional partner on the only weekday available during the visit

In doing so we would stay close to a familiar principle in the Indian mindset; relationships come first, business follows. Trust, familiarity and genuine human connection are not peripheral elements of cooperation, they form the basis for lasting partnerships.

What appears simple on the surface is supported by a strong ecosystem. In Norway, institutions, diaspora networks, cultural actors and business partners contribute with openness and trust, making it possible to create meaningful encounters in a relatively short time.

The visible moment of exchange is therefore only the surface; beneath it lies a collective effort of coordination, goodwill and support that quietly keeps the journey moving forward.

India in Norway (Embassy of India, Oslo)Deva GruppenrOslo Colour FestivaleNorwegian Embassy in New DelhiewInnovasjon NorgeonMasalamagicalInNor Consultancy

Being among the strongest of the strong only begins to describe the experience of spending time with the Icelandic-Indian Business Association (IIBA) delegation, led by Mr. Prasoon Dewan, during their EFTA visit to Reykjavík, Oslo, and Zürich. The delegation consists of 30 brilliant representatives from diverse SME sectors across Northern India.

Amongst them, permit me especially to highlight a true pioneer from the late 1980s among India’s leading female ski jumpers: the national champion Ms. Kiran Bhat Todaria, whom I had the pleasure of accompanying to Holmenkollen today; on International Women’s Day.

For many years, Ms. Todaria has also led the Uttarakhand chapter of FICCI FLO, the women’s wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), an organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women entrepreneurs and professionals across India.

A meaningful Women’s Day moment celebrating leadership, resilience, and the bridges being built between India and the Nordic region.

When life is about celebration, joy and acceptance, not conversion, war or division.

At a time when the news is dominated by war, unrest and geopolitical tension, Holi offers a reminder of something else.

A celebration of colour, joy and community. A space where people meet as they are, without the expectation of becoming something else.

In a world where so much revolves around conflict, power and borders, there are also traditions built on celebration, acceptance and diversity.

Happy Holi to everyone celebrating. 🌸

NRK looks to India, Indians in Norway look to Oslo Colour Festival

Fargefesten Se bildene fra feiringen av vårens ankomst i India.

Soft Power and Business Synergies

Hollywood is often described as the ultimate symbol of American soft power.

Yet in 2008, a significant, and largely overlooked, shift took place.

When Steven Spielberg left Paramount Pictures and relaunched DreamWorks Studios as an independent studio, it was not merely about creative freedom. It was about structure and capital.

The financing came from India.

Reliance Entertainment, part of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, led at the time by Anil Ambani, invested approximately $500–600 million.

A key architect behind the collaboration was Amit Khanna, who helped bridge Indian capital with Hollywood’s institutional framework.

Spielberg retained creative control. The stories remained American.
But the financing, the infrastructure behind the images, had Indian origins.

This is more than a footnote in film history.

It is an example of how global capital flows reshape the balance of cultural power, often without being visible on screen. Soft power is not shaped by narrative alone, but by ownership, financing, and institutional alliances.

As we discuss international collaboration in film and the creative industries today — including in a Nordic context — this is a case worth remembering.

Because the question is not only who tells the story. But who makes it possible.

Photo courtesy : Linda Netland, Amit Khanna, Deepika Rai at Chitra House, Oslo 2017.

(On occasion of jis birthday today, who also wrote many hindi poetically original lyrics of the 70/80/90 movies)

Thank you Ashwani Kumar and Deva Gruppen,
and to India in Norway (Embassy of India, Oslo) who enabled this historical event, with promises of more to come 🙏🏼

Diaspora interacting with Hon Ministers and HE ambassador Gloria Gangte on Monday 16th Feb 2026

🙏🏼

Nalanda, one of the earliest centers of learning in world history and an influence on the campus model later seen at Oxford and other Western universities, is now back on the map. A meaningful moment for the next generation. Take a look.

Nalanda University in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and sports, Government of India, is organizing an International Seminar titled “India on the World Stage: Soft Power, Policy & Youth Diplomacy” from 26-28 March 2026 at its campus in Rajgir, Bihar.

The University Calls for Paper and Participation in the seminar. Accommodation and travel for participants whose papers will be accepted for the presentation will be supported by the University.

For more information please visit https://nalandauniv.edu.in/
.....

Nalanda University arrangerer, i samarbeid med Indias departement for ungdomssaker og idrett, et internasjonalt seminar med tittelen
'India på verdensscenen: Myk makt, politikk og ungdomsdiplomati'
fra 26. til 28. mars 2026 på sitt campus i Rajgir, Bihar.
Universitetet inviterer til innsending av fagbidrag og deltakelse i seminaret. Overnatting og reise for deltakere med bidrag som blir akseptert for presentasjon, vil bli dekket av universitetet.

For mer informasjon, besøk: https://nalandauniv.edu.in/
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India MyGovIndia Narendra Modi Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India Diaspora India Connect

HER Awards highlights the women who build companies, lead people, move capital, and set new standards for performance and influence. These are entrepreneurs, executives, changemakers, and role models who create real value for business, for society, and for the next generation.

I’m so fortunate to personally know two of the nominees:

✔️Growth Company of the Year: MasalaMagic🌺
✔️Diversity Champion of the Year: Michelle Chinnappan 🌺

Please take a moment to cast your vote for them, the link is open until February 29th:

https://www.herprogrammet.no/stem

Earlier this week, a deeply concerned group of parents contacted me to draw attention to an issue affecting around 200 pupils — with direct relevance for Oslo’s ability to attract and retain highly educated international professionals with children of primary school age.

The planned discontinuation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme at Manglerud School removes one of the very few public international education pathways available at primary level in Oslo. While formally an education policy decision, its implications extend directly into labour market dynamics, recruitment and long-term competitiveness.

As recently highlighted in Dagens Næringsliv, access to internationally recognised schooling is not a peripheral concern for globally mobile professionals. For many families, it is a prerequisite when deciding whether to relocate. This is particularly relevant for companies recruiting international specialists to Norway — including firms with strong ties to India — where family considerations play a central role in mobility decisions.

The issue has now also been brought before the Storting through a representative proposal (Dokument 8:98 S, 2025–2026). The proposal calls on the government to amend the Education Act to allow public primary schools to offer the IB curriculum, and to ensure continuity of existing IB programmes at Manglerud School and Blindern Upper Secondary School beyond August 2026.

This is not about privileging one group of families. It is about policy coherence. Education policy, labour immigration objectives and competitiveness strategies must work together. When they do not, the consequences are borne by employers, innovation capacity and Norway’s ability to position itself as an attractive destination for global talent.

This is a discussion that deserves attention beyond the education sector — from business leaders, employers and policymakers alike.

Stortinget
Kunnskapsdepartementet
Arbeidsdepartementet

India in Norway (Embassy of India, Oslo)
Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi

Nedlegger skole – stenger for internasjonal kompetanse Regjeringen avvikler det internasjonale skoletilbudet ved Manglerud skole i Oslo. Å hente arbeidskraft utenlands blir dermed enda vanskeligere for bedrifter og det offentlige.

History, Identity and Democratic Maturity

Today I reflect on how societies relate to their own history, both what is easy to celebrate and what is more difficult to confront.

I was inspired by the seminar “Skeletons in the Closet: Whaling Stations as Norwegian Informal Imperialism,” where PhD candidate Erlend Lunde Colleuille examines how parts of Norway’s whaling history and its presence in the Arctic can be understood as forms of informal imperialism. Such perspectives challenge comfortable national narratives and invite more nuanced interpretations of the past.

This resonates with developments in India today, where there is a growing willingness to explore pre-colonial identities, complex historical roots and cultural narratives on their own terms. This is not simply an academic exercise, but part of a broader democratic process through which a society seeks to understand itself beyond earlier, often colonially framed, interpretations.

Engaging with identity history, including aspects that create discomfort, is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it reflects a healthy democracy that allows for reflection, self-critique and historical complexity.

All this on a day when a historically significant new public consultation was presented by Norway’s Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion, signalling a new direction in integration policy.

Have a good weekend.

Inspired by recent electoral events in NY:

How has Indians influenced USA´s Local communities?

Kashmir Gill of Yuba City, California, was celebrated for his courage and pioneering spirit as one of the first Sikh mayors in the United States, bridging tradition and public service. Was re-elected in 2013.

Satish Hiremath of Oro Valley, Arizona, became known for his visionary leadership, fostering collaboration between local business, residents, and government to strengthen both the economy and the cultural life of the community.

Gopal Lalmalani of Oak Brook, Illinois, embodied prudence and fiscal responsibility, focusing on reducing the tax burden and building a stronger economic base for his town.

Sonny Dhaliwal of Lathrop, California, distinguished himself through his decisive action, notably by establishing the city’s own police department to enhance safety and local accountability.

Preet Didbal of Yuba City became a symbol of resilience and gender equality, as the first Sikh woman ever elected mayor in the United States.

Bobbie Singh-Allen of Elk Grove is recognized for her inclusive leadership, combining advocacy for women, transportation, and sustainability with a deep commitment to community building.

Swaranjit Singh Khalsa of Norwich, Connecticut, has been noted for his integrity and sense of community, as the first Sikh mayor in the state and a strong voice for diversity and representation.

Finally, Zohran Mamdani, elected mayor of New York City in 2025, stands out for his commitment to justice and social conscience, leading with a platform centered on affordability, collective care, and the city’s rich diversity of voices.

Why this matters in Norway?
Democracy thrives when more voters are able to understand and influence the political process. Norwegian-Indians contribute strongly in work and education - yet vote less than the population overall:

Norwegian citizens with Indian background Participation:
Parliamentary elections:~55–60%
Local elections:~50–55%

With Lokalvalg and Stortingsvalg på Engelsk, we work to make this easier by lowering language barriers and building political confidence. A democracy grows stronger when new voices are trusted to lead.

(Source: Statistics Norway, various newspapers)

15 years since the “Nobel Prize fever” reached Miss World

Fifteen years ago today, half of Norway tuned in to cheer for Miss Norway, Mariann Birkedal, in the Miss World final from Sanya, China. She was a frontrunner — until world politics cast a long shadow over the stage.

Just weeks earlier, the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo had frozen Norway–China relations overnight. Rumours swirled that this “Nobel fuss” had reached the Miss World administration. When Birkedal unexpectedly missed the Top 5, speculation followed: cultural politics or coincidence?

Looking back, it’s a fascinating reminder of how soft power, image, and diplomacy intertwine — even in the most unexpected arenas of beauty, culture, and entertainment.

Pictures from an Indian cultural event in Oslo ahead of the international Miss World competition with Miss Norway Mariann Birkedal Vik and event organiser Deepika Rai

Courtesy Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi India in Norway (Embassy of India, Oslo)