Latest news with #ofUnity
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi virtually inaugurates 18 redeveloped Railway Stations in Gujarat under Amrit Bharat Station scheme
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], May 22 (ANI): Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana was launched. Under this initiative, over 1,300 railway stations nationwide are being redeveloped. In Gujarat, 87 stations are being modernised at a cost of Rs 6,303 crore, said an official statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO). PM Modi virtually inaugurated 18 redeveloped railway stations of Gujarat, developed at a cost of Rs 164 crore, during a program held in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel graced the inauguration ceremony of the redeveloped Limbdi station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. On this occasion, the Chief Minister remarked that since former Gujarat CM Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, he has consistently prioritised infrastructure development and modernization to enhance the convenience, readiness, and welfare of both the armed forces and citizens. He emphasised that the transformation of the railways, modernization of stations, and the introduction of innovative passenger amenities have been driven by the Prime Minister's distinctive vision and unwavering commitment to nation-building. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 18 stations in Gujarat have been redeveloped and virtually inaugurated by the Prime Minister. These include Shihor Junction, Utran, Dakor, Derol, Hapa, Jamjodhpur, Jamwanthali, Kanalus Junction, Karamsad, Kosamba Junction, Limbdi, Mahuva, Mithapur, Morbi, Okha, Palitana, Rajula Junction, and Samakhiali stations. The Chief Minister firmly stated that when there is a genuine will to serve the people and a steadfast commitment to development-oriented governance, revolutionary changes in railway services can be achieved through good governance--something the Prime Minister has exemplified on a global stage. Highlighting this progress, he shared that under the Prime Minister's guidance, Gujarat has witnessed the electrification of 3,144 kilometers of railway lines since 2014, resulting in 97 percent of the state's railway routes now being electrified. CM highlighted that also, Rs 17,155 crore has been allocated for Gujarat in the railway budget for 2025-26. This is on average 29 times more than the budget allocated between 2009 and 2014. The CM mentioned that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Vande Bharat train network has expanded across the country, with Gujarat receiving four trains. Referring to this, he added that railway services have been expanded so that travelers from across the country and around the world can easily reach the world-renowned tourist destination, the Statue of Unity - Ekta Nagar. The CM said that these redeveloped 18 railway stations in Gujarat, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, will significantly improve railway facilities and passenger amenities in the state. Addressing the event, Surendranagar MP Chandubhai Shihora stated that under the guidance of PM Modi, old railway stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Railway Station Yojana. Various modern facilities and new technology-based trains are being developed in the railway sector. Vande Bharat trains are an excellent example of this. Given that railways remain the most widely used mode of transportation in the country, the government is taking comprehensive measures to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free travel experience for passengers. Kirit Sinh Rana, MLA of Limbdi, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for extending urban-level facilities to smaller talukas like Limbdi, bringing big-city infrastructure to rural regions. On this occasion, all attendees watched the live telecast of the inauguration ceremony, where PM Modi unveiled 103 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana from Bikaner, Rajasthan. The Chief Minister also reviewed the newly developed, state-of-the-art facilities at the station and received a detailed briefing on its features and infrastructure. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Whip Jagdish Makwana, MLAs P K Parmar and Prakash Varmora, prominent leaders Hitendrasinh Chauhan, Dilip Patel, Shankar Dalwadi, Bababhai Bharwad, along with other dignitaries and office bearers, District Collector Dr Rajendra Patel, District Development Officer K S Yagnik, Deputy Inspector General of Police Girish Pandya, Divisional Railway Manager Ravish Kumar, and other senior officials were present, along with a large gathering of people. (ANI)
Borneo Post
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak's Sape Ambassadors to perform ‘Rhythm of Unity' concert at Kaul Mukah
The YPS Sape Ambassadors will perform the concert themed 'Rhythms of Unity' at Kaul Mukah 2025. KUCHING (April 25): Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) will present its Konsert Malam Perpaduan themed 'Rhythm of Unity' on Sunday (April 27) in conjunction with Kaul Mukah 2025. a The musical showcase celebrating Sarawak's unity, culture, and the vibrant spirit will take place at the main stage of Tapak Kaul Mukah. A press release today said it will be an unforgettable evening featuring the harmonious blend of traditional and modern music, highlighting Sarawak's spirit of unity in diversity. It is a follow up to the tremendous acceptance by the audience at last year's performance, which resonated deeply with locals and left a lasting impression on the festival. This year, the concert returns even stronger with bolder performances and a renewed mission to bring the people together. The YPS Sape Ambassadors will take centre stage, rendering the soulful sounds of the sape with an ensemble of traditional and contemporary musical instruments, presenting rhythms that bridge ethnic heritage and modern artistry. Adding a meaningful layer to this year's concert, YPS will also feature ambassadors from Peninsular Malaysia – an Orang Asli ambassador from Perak and an Indian ambassador from Selangor. These talented individuals will perform alongside their fellow ambassadors from Sarawak, symbolising true Malaysian unity that transcends geography and ethnicity. 'Kaul is a celebration rooted in Melanau tradition and it's a time to honour their culture, heritage, and identity. We believe this concert is a wonderful platform to promote unity and diversity, allowing Sarawakians of all races and even visitors from outside the state to experience the richness of Melanau culture and the many other ethnic traditions that make Sarawak unique,' said a YPS spokesperson. There will also be special guest performances including by internationally-acclaimed Stanford Ryan, gold medallist at the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the United States, and the energetic Sibu D'Tari dance troupe, who will be lead a crowd-favourite interactive 'mengarang' dance segment with the audience. Entrance to the concert under the stars is free.
Khaleej Times
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Win flight tickets, smartphones during free health checkup for workers on April 13
Blue-collar workers in Dubai can get free health screening and opportunities to win travel tickets, e-scooters, smartphones, and more at an event in Al Quoz on Sunday, April 13. Organised by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), 'The Health Carnival for the Workforce' is being held in collaboration with the Pakistani Association in Dubai. Festival activities include free health screenings, breast cancer checks in collaboration with the Pink Caravan, eye examinations in partnership with Smart Life, awareness sessions, sports and cultural activities, magic shows, and a public health walk, alongside valuable giveaways such as travel tickets, electric scooters, and smartphones. The event is expected to attract a large and diverse audience exceeding 10,000 participants from various segments of society. The festival is part of the 'Year of Community' initiatives. The event will feature a wide range of activities that blend health awareness, community celebration, and human appreciation. Among the highlights is the 'Hands of Unity' initiative, a symbolic attempt to break a Guinness World Record by forming the UAE flag using 25,000 handprints, in a gesture that reflects values of gratitude, unity, and national belonging. "At the General Directorate, we believe that institutional success goes beyond service delivery — it's about creating lasting social impact," Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, said. "The Health Carnival for the Workforce is a reflection of our vision: one where people are the foundation of success and recognition is a national duty," he added. Colonel Omar Matar Al Muzeina, Acting Assistant Director General for the Labor Relations Sector, added: "This initiative is a true embodiment of the social responsibility of GDRFA Dubai, reflecting its deep commitment to enhancing happiness and quality of life in the community." Zahid Hassan, Secretary General of the Pakistani Association in Dubai, also commented: "We are proud to partner with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs — Dubai in organising this impactful event that honours workers' efforts and reflects the UAE's core values of compassion and tolerance. Our support stems from a deep belief that every worker deserves recognition and celebration."
Express Tribune
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
The ad that united Pakistan
In the early '90s, Pakistani television operated under strict limitations: two channels, PTV and NTM, prime-time slots dictated by state-owned networks, and increasing restrictions on cigarette advertising. Yet, within these confines, some commercials managed to transcend their purpose, becoming cultural artifacts rather than mere marketing ploys. One such anomaly was Rhythm of Unity, a 1993 television ad that defied both time and format. Produced by Spectrum Communications for Morven Gold, it was commissioned by Lakson Group and became the biggest-budget TVC of its time. It was a commercial that never showed the product it was selling. Instead, it staged a grand visual and musical performance at Lahore Fort: folk dancers from all four provinces moving in unison, vibrant red and yellow fabric billowing, a dramatic soundtrack pulsing underneath. A lone horse, draped in matching colours, rears up against the sky. The camera sweeps across the weathered stone of the fort, capturing flickers of movement - feet stamping against the ground, arms lifting in synchrony, the nakkara drum reverberating through the air. The final image sees the dancers converging in perfect formation, embodying the commercial's tagline: The Rhythm of Unity. Lakson. A cigarette ad without cigarettes. Branding without a brand name. And yet, three decades later, Rhythm of Unity remains one of the most iconic commercials in Pakistan's history. To understand its enduring legacy, The Express Tribune spoke with the minds behind its making. A tough landscape By 1993, cigarette commercials were on borrowed time. New regulations had pushed them to the fringes of television, confined to post 10PM slots, effectively shutting them out of prime-time viewership. "One of our business objectives was to be on prime time," recalled Zohra Yusuf, CCO of Spectrum. "A strategic way of doing that was to stay away from any kind of product promotion and to create something that would resonate with the wider audience and uplift the company's corporate image." The brief was both simple and audacious: create a commercial that could bypass restrictions without ever explicitly promoting smoking. Spectrum pulled it off by harnessing the most potent force in advertising - storytelling. "In that particular moment, you had the opportunity to advertise cigarettes by showing Morven Gold's colours without having to show cigarettes or people smoking," said Shahnoor Ahmed, Chairman and CEO of Spectrum. By leaning into the brand's unmistakable red and yellow, the ad relied on a kind of visual muscle memory - instantly recognisable, yet never overt. What emerged felt less like an advertisement and more like a national tribute. Rhythm of Unity brought together dancers from across Pakistan, their movements guided by a diverse and multi-layered composition. The final sequence - billowing fabric unfurling to reveal the Morven Gold logo - was as close as the commercial ever came to traditional branding. And yet, it cemented itself in public consciousness, an advertisement that sold an idea rather than a product. Unlike anything else Pulling off Rhythm of Unity was no small feat. The biggest budget film of its time, it brought together 200 performers and a 100-member production crew. UK-based Rimas Vainorious, who served as both director and director of photography, led the production. Asad ul Haq, who later founded the Karachi Film School, and Muhammad Khalid Ali, now the head of Crew Films, were both part of the team - two emerging talents who would go on to shape Pakistan's ad film industry. "The challenge was to bring four different kinds of folk dancers and have them dance to one rhythm," Ahmed recalled. "A fair amount of time was spent doing recce and deciding the location, the dancers and all. Even the basic backdrop to it took a lot of time." Naeem Tahir was enlisted as the choreographer, tasked with arranging dancers from all four provinces. Having settled on Lahore Fort as the commercial's backdrop, the team was treated to a heritage site in a dire state of neglect. Before filming could begin, the team had to undertake an extensive cleanup, reclaiming the site from layers of dust and disrepair. It was just one of many logistical hurdles stacked against an already ambitious creative vision. Dawn became the production's golden hour. With each take meticulously planned, dancers, cinematographers, and choreographers synchronised their efforts before the first light hit the fort's weathered walls. Every detail, no matter how minute, was treated with care. In retrospect, it was this painstaking precision, this near-obsessive commitment to craft, that made Rhythm of Unity a phenomenal entry in Pakistan's advertising history. Even the nakkara drum that punctuated the ad's soaring soundtrack was a behemoth, custom-built to command both sight and sound. The soundtrack, however, refused to fall in line. The first recording session in Lahore yielded a track that was discordant, stripped of the depth and cohesion it needed. "Unsurprisingly, the first recording was chaotic and not at all sonically pleasing," Ahmed admitted. But Spectrum had an adept composer in its arsenal - Keith Miller. It took Miller's deft hand to reshape it, layering it into the hypnotic, percussive composition that would come to define the ad. And then there was the name. It was Yusuf who coined Rhythm of Unity, distilling the commercial's grand ambition into a phrase that expressed an ethos. A lasting echo When Rhythm of Unity first aired, it landed with the force of a cultural event. PTV and NTM ran it on repeat, audiences clamoured for VHS copies, and soon, it was everywhere - on television screens, in conversation, in the national imagination. "The response was simply unbelievable," Ahmed recalled. "It was being talked about everywhere. It was airing several times a day." It even reached the halls of power. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto personally requested a copy to present at the World Economic Forum in Davos, a moment that underscored how the commercial had transcended its origins. Over the years, it would continue to resurface, aired on Independence Day, revisited in marketing retrospectives, and shortlisted for international awards like Cresta and the London International Awards. But its afterlife wasn't limited to television screens. The commercial seeped into public life. Folk dancers from the production were invited to perform at charity galas. Weddings borrowed its choreography. Its imagery - red and yellow fabric unfurling, bodies moving in sync - lodged itself into collective memory. Three decades on, Rhythm of Unity endures. It resurfaces on social media, where nostalgia amplifies its legend, but its power is more than sentimental. It is a testament to what advertising can achieve when it aspires to something grander than selling a product - when it taps into something elemental. "If you wanted to show what the country was in two to three minutes, you would put on Rhythm of Unity," Ahmed said of the broadcast's peak. Decades later, that claim still holds.
