Latest news with #DepartmentofTourismandCulture
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh marks Buddha Purnima with global celebrations and spiritual invitation
Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India's spiritual heritage, celebrated Buddha Purnima with a series of global and local events, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of the Buddhist Circuit. From the sacred grounds of Sarnath and Shravasti to international stages in Vietnam and Bodh Gaya, the state showcased its commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of Lord Buddha. The celebrations were led by the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, with Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram (IAS), Director General and Principal Secretary, emphasising the state's deep-rooted spiritual identity. 'Uttar Pradesh is a spiritual odyssey where the Buddha's teachings come alive. We are committed to preserving historic Buddhist sites and creating a welcoming experience for global travellers,' he said. Highlights of the celebration included the unveiling of Dhih Research Journal (Buddharpan) at Sarnath in collaboration with the Central University of Tibetan Studies. The event, filled with the chanting of Pali and Tibetan mantras, was a symbolic blend of scholarship and spirituality. In Shravasti and Sankisa, devotional events such as Dhamma Yatra, Deepdaan ceremonies, and food donations brought communities together in reverence and reflection. Uttar Pradesh Tourism also extended its outreach by participating in national and international events. At Bodh Gaya's Trividh Purnima and the Mahabodhi Society event in Bengaluru, the state highlighted its Buddhist offerings. Meanwhile, the celebration of UN Vesak Day in Vietnam allowed Uttar Pradesh to showcase its spiritual destinations to a global audience, fostering international cultural collaboration. Easily accessible via international airports in Delhi and Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh invites travellers to explore the Buddhist Circuit — home to revered sites like Sarnath, Shravasti, Sankisa, and Kushinagar. These destinations offer visitors a chance to meditate in ancient monasteries, walk the paths once tread by the Buddha, and connect with timeless teachings in a setting of peace and historical depth. With enhanced infrastructure, world-class hospitality, and a strong focus on safety, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a premier global destination for spiritual and cultural exploration.
Hans India
16-05-2025
- Hans India
Telangana Showcases Its Soul: Miss World Contestants Immerse in Culture, Craft, and Nature at Pillalamarri
Mahabubnagar: In a spectacular confluence of grace, heritage, and ecology, the Telangana government has taken a unique turn in hosting the Miss World beauty pageant, moving away from the conventional runway glamour to immerse global beauty ambassadors in the timeless charm of Indian past history, tradition, culture, and nature. The lush green expanse of Pillalamarri, home to the 800-year-old sprawling banyan tree in Mahabubnagar, recently transformed into a vibrant canvas where natural beauty met global elegance. As the Miss World contestants walked under the vast canopy of history and nature, Telangana sent out a powerful message — beauty is more than appearance; it's a celebration of culture, heritage, and ecological harmony. 'This is not a typical beauty pageant. We are presenting the Miss World event as a blend of culture, heritage, and natural splendor,' said Mamidi Hari Krishna, Director of the Department of Languages and Culture. 'We've moved beyond superficial standards. Our idea is to show the world that beauty is complete only when it is rooted in tradition and coexists with nature.' Promoting Telangana's Brand, Beyond Glamour In a strategic effort to promote Telangana as a hub of cultural richness and ecological heritage, the Department of Tourism and Culture has curated a state-wide journey for the Miss World contingent. Rather than confining them to glitzy hotels or red carpets, the participants have been introduced to the spiritual elegance of Yadadri Temple, the architectural marvel of the Ramappa Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the textile legacy of Pochampally, and now, the natural wonder of Pillalamarri. At Pillalamarri, the pageant contestants were not only captivated by the grandeur of the ancient banyan tree but were also introduced to the artistic brilliance of Narayanpet and Gadwal handlooms, traditional pottery, and indigenous handicrafts created by self-help groups and rural artisans. These demonstrations, set against the backdrop of nature, brought alive Telangana's legacy of craftsmanship and community creativity. 'This initiative is a new milestone,' said Hari Krishna. 'In the past, beauty contests focused on skin show and western glam. But here in Telangana, we are presenting beauty in its holistic form — adorned in traditional attire, surrounded by classical arts, and embraced by the serenity of nature.' A New Cultural Diplomacy By redefining the idea of a beauty pageant, Telangana is strategically positioning itself on the global map — not just as a tourist destination but as a custodian of living heritage. The state's approach underlines a deeper narrative of cultural diplomacy — one that promotes Indian values, traditions, and environmental consciousness through a global event. Through this innovative portrayal of beauty rooted in history and ecology, Telangana is offering a new model for international events — where the focus shifts from glamour to grace, from style to substance. As the Miss World contingent continues its journey through Telangana's historical and cultural landmarks, the state has not only elevated the global image of the pageant but also created a lasting impression of its own identity — one where nature, heritage, and beauty bloom together.
Campaign ME
14-02-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Flint Culture establishes Abu Dhabi base with directorial appointments
Flint Culture, an international culture-led communications firm, has established a new hub in Abu Dhabi and revealed two new senior appointments to its MENA team. This comes as part of the firm's ongoing scaling of operations and expansion of its core service offering in order to best support clients within the region. With the objective of being embedded within the cultural and creative landscape in Abu Dhabi, Flint Culture's new base is located in M_39, at the heart of the Mina Zayed district, the MiZa neighbourhood, Abu Dhabi. 'Abu Dhabi has always been at the forefront of cultural development in the region. We have been fortunate enough to be part of many landmark projects in Abu Dhabi since we first set-up a presence in the UAE in 2019, such as the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award,' said Wol Balston, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Flint Culture. 'Our mission is to provide our clients with culturally informed strategies that reflect our in-depth understanding of their cultural landscape and context. The opening of our new base in Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to delivering timely and culturally relevant insights,' Balston added. Directorial appointments at Flint Culture Bringing more than 15 years of cross-sector experience in strategic communications in the UAE, UK and Ireland, Dernagh O'Leary has been appointed as Director – Abu Dhabi to oversee Flint Culture's presence in Abu Dhabi and to drive expansion and growth in the region. Dernagh has in-depth experience working across arts, culture and heritage projects in Abu Dhabi in the UAE having supported the Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi alongside many other high-profile projects across the Emirate. Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Daqqaq, a highly-experienced communications professional with more than 15 years experience in Abu Dhabi and the MENA region, joins the Flint Culture Abu Dhabi team as Associate Director. He will play a significant role in the delivery of tailored communications strategies for clients. Alongside the senior appointments, Flint Culture has also increased the mid and junior level client support resources in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and across the MENA region to align with market demand. 'Establishing a permanent presence in Abu Dhabi is an exciting move for us and one that has long been a goal for Flint Culture– and we look forward to further supporting cultural institutions and projects in the Emirate. Supported by our global teams in the UK, Europe, South East Asia and permanent teams in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, the Abu Dhabi team is uniquely positioned to deliver local insights from a global context,' Balston concluded.
