With the political dust settling down in Hyderabad, the city is poised to become a happening place with a series of events covering technology, art, culture and sports lined up for the next one year.
The departments of tourism, information technology and industry have joined hands to launch a "Happening Hyderabad" campaign aimed at giving a fillip to "Brand Hyderabad" and enhance the quality of life of the citizens.
Telangana Information Technology Minister K. Tarakarama Rao, who came out with the concept of '52 weeks 52 events', Thursday launched the campaign which will provide a platform for organising various events in the city round the year.
The campaign will kick-off on Independence Day Aug 15 with 'Freedom ride', the country's biggest corporate cycling event.
A vintage car rally and a khadi fashion show are also planned on the first day.
The minister unveiled the logo, website and mobile application of the campaign. He said that if Hyderabad had to emerge as a truly global city, it can't merely have technology and some isolated events.
Rao said: "Hyderabad with its rich history, heritage, culture and cuisine had the potential to be a vibrant global city with events happening every week".
He also released a calendar of events to be held as part of the campaign over the next few months. This includes a World Metropolis Congress scheduled Oct 7-9.
Mayors of several cities from around the world will attend the conference.
World women's congress, Airtel Hyderabad Marathon, August Fest, Raahgiri Day, stress management, lifestyle modification, Hyderabad Theatre Festival, National Folk Festival, Sculpture Camp, Hydourite Music Festival, TiE ISB Summit and Corporate Badminton League are some of the 58 events included in the calendar.
B.P. Acharya, principal secretary, planning and tourism, said the government would provide assistance to promote events for quality entertainment for the citizens.
Badminton coach Pullela Gopichand hailed the government's initiative.
He said: "Sports and culture were huge attractions in Hyderabad in addition to its history, food, people and weather".
"We are lucky to have a city like Hyderabad," he added.
Art collector and art historian Jagdish Mittal, theatre personality Mohammed Ali Baig, The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Hyderabad president Murali Bukkapatnam and personalities from various fields were present to announce their support to the campaign.
