Latest news with #ShahHussain
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Burnley mayoral role and town hall 'must be saved'
A retiring mayor has urged councillors to do everything they can to retain their borough's civic identity following the reorganisation of local authorities. Councillor Shah Hussain told Burnley Council's annual meeting it was "vital" that the role of mayor and the town hall were retained following any Lancashire devolution deal. In his farewell address, he said the last 12 months had been full of "joy", topped off by the Burnley FC's promotion to the Premier League. But he warned that "amongst the celebrations and community spirit, reorganisation looms". In March, Burnley Council officially opposed any devolution plan which would see the creation of a new, Blackburn-based, all-purpose council for east Lancashire. Ministers had ordered Lancashire's authorities to draw up an "interim plan" which will see a radical reduction in the number of councils in the area. All 15 Lancashire council leaders put their names to a letter setting out their initial thoughts but they noted that no proposal had majority support. Shah told councillors: "There are whispers about devolution, combined authorities, and unitary councils. "And with these discussions come questions about our identity, about the future of roles like this one, and about this very chamber we gather in today. "Let me say this clearly: The role of Mayor matters. It is not a relic. "It is a symbol of service, of unity, of civic pride." He said the mayor was the "living, breathing thread that connects institutions to individuals", a role that "sees, celebrates, and supports". Shah added: "It must not be allowed to fade away in the name of bureaucratic efficiency." Burnley Town Hall must also be preserved, he said, "not as a museum, but as a living institution". He said public money had been spent on safeguarding it "for future generations" because of its value was "not just in bricks and mortar, but in heritage and heart". Shah added: "Our town is not perfect - no place is. But it is proud, principled, resilient, and brimming with potential." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Leaders fail to agree councils reorganisation plan Town's council opposes merger with neighbour First meeting of county's new combined authority
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Save Burnley Council in devolution plans, outgoing mayor urges
A retiring mayor has urged councillors to do everything they can to retain their borough's civic identity following the reorganisation of local Shah Hussain told Burnley Council's annual meeting it was "vital" that the role of mayor and the town hall were retained following any Lancashire devolution his farewell address, he said the last 12 months had been full of "joy", topped off by the Burnley FC's promotion to the Premier he warned that "amongst the celebrations and community spirit, reorganisation looms". 'Devolution whispers' In March, Burnley Council officially opposed any devolution plan which would see the creation of a new, Blackburn-based, all-purpose council for east had ordered Lancashire's authorities to draw up an "interim plan" which will see a radical reduction in the number of councils in the 15 Lancashire council leaders put their names to a letter setting out their initial thoughts but they noted that no proposal had majority told councillors: "There are whispers about devolution, combined authorities, and unitary councils."And with these discussions come questions about our identity, about the future of roles like this one, and about this very chamber we gather in today."Let me say this clearly: The role of Mayor matters. It is not a relic."It is a symbol of service, of unity, of civic pride." 'Brimming with potential' He said the mayor was the "living, breathing thread that connects institutions to individuals", a role that "sees, celebrates, and supports".Shah added: "It must not be allowed to fade away in the name of bureaucratic efficiency."Burnley Town Hall must also be preserved, he said, "not as a museum, but as a living institution".He said public money had been spent on safeguarding it "for future generations" because of its value was "not just in bricks and mortar, but in heritage and heart".Shah added: "Our town is not perfect - no place is. But it is proud, principled, resilient, and brimming with potential." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Express Tribune
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Shalimar Gardens to host Mela Chiraghan
The Punjab government is set to revive the historic Mela Chiraghan at Shalimar Gardens after a 67-year hiatus, in a move to celebrate and preserve the province's rich Sufi and cultural heritage. Organised by the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), the four-day festival will run from Friday to April 14. Events will be organised at both the Shalimar Gardens and the shrine of the 16th-century Sufi Madhu Lal Hussain. Acting on directives from the chief minister, the festival aims to offer families a secure and spiritually enriching experience, while promoting Punjab's traditional values and public culture. Daytime programming will include academic lectures, panel discussions on Sufi poet Shah Hussain's teachings, recitations of his Kafis and Punjabi poetry sessions. Evening events will feature Sufi qawwali performances, Heer recitals, traditional food stalls and a local handicrafts bazaar. The historic ritual during which devotees light candles and oil lamps as part of a spiritual practice will also be revived. "Mela Chiraghan is a symbol of Lahore's cultural identity, and its revival reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage," said WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari. "This festival not only honours the legacy of Shah Hussain but also promotes inclusivity, creativity and traditional arts. We invite everyone to reconnect with our roots and celebrate the spirit of Lahore." Mela Chiraghan, once one of the most prominent cultural and spiritual gatherings in Punjab, is expected to draw large crowds and serve as a platform to foster peace, harmony, and communal unity. Security measures and public facilities have been arranged for the visitors.
