For almost 50 years, he has played Santa Claus -- and now during his second visit to India, Timo Alarik Pakkanen from Finland advises people of this country to love others and be generous and kind to themselves.
"Love each other and be kind to yourself and to others, that's my message to Indians," Pakkanen, dressed in a Santa outfit, told IANS during an interaction at the Finland embassy here. He was accompanied by Nina Vaskunlahti, the Ambassador of Finland to India.
Pakkanen, who has committed himself to the task of being Santa Claus, comes from the mysterious Korvatunturi ("Ear Fell") in Finnish Lapland.
Perhaps one of the most famous names on the planet, this Santa Claus recognises his global influence and the responsibility that comes with it. He spends his time at the Santa Claus Village very day of the year to take care of his mission in life -- to enhance the well being of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spreading the message of love and goodwill of the Christmas Spirit across the globe.
For almost 40 years, he has lived the life of the fabled Santa Claus and has met and talked to people from over 82 countries and from 40 US states, 55 German cities and 24 cities from Britain.
He calls his experience of playing Santa as magical and the Christmas eve, magic.
"The Christmas eve is a magical evening and that's where all the magic happens. Whenever I meet people, they give me a smile and positivity and that's the thing I like the most. So I get happiness from children," he said.
He last visited India six years back as Santa Claus and this year has been equally special for him as people are more acceptable.
"Over the years, it has become more acceptable but I feel it's the same everywhere. Some people are excited and some are a bit afraid and it's same with children. Someone comes and hugs you immediately while some start to cry so it's very different like the way people are different.
"It's the same every where you go. It doesn't mater from where you come, whether it is Canada, China, India or Europe, it's always kind of same thing," he told IANS.
He landed in the capital on Sunday and started his trip by meeting a few school children in Vasant Vihar followed by a brunch at Hotel Leela Palace here. On Monday, he visited Gandhi Smriti and India Gate. On Tuesday, he was to visit Taj Mahal in Agra along with a few other places.
Asked how he plans to spread smiles in India at a time when demonetisation is the talk of the town, he told IANS: "My most important mission is to make people happy around me. Give happiness, joy and laughter but I am not here to solve your political problems or anything like that."
(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)
--IANS
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