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Homegrown: UK premium CBD brand, Infused Amphora launches

Infused Amphora

British premium CBD wellness brand Infused Amphora launches today. Their product range includes a variety of vape cartridges designed to address and capture the needs and moods of society. Everything from tackling anxiety, muscular aches and stress to helping inspire, calm and focus minds. The cartridges were designed in collaboration with Vessel Brand, an industry leading California-based vape hardware company. The launch features four premium CBD-infused cartridges: INSPIRE : delivers an earthy and herbal vibe with lilac undertones, and a lemon-pepper nose. Allowing you to brainstorm, be unique, think differently or create a masterpiece. PEACE : combines a sweet woody flavour with a tickle of green peppercorn and a clean grapefruit finish. You will feel the embrace of a warm hug that removes the edge off stress. MEND : allows you to slip into a relaxing bath of sweet stone fruits, savoury herbs and a pine finish. Find relief from tension and release muscular aches and pains. ZZZ : offers the sensation of walking through a forest after the rain. Like the perfect cup of tea to be taken at bedtime - hints of juniper and lemon. Infused Amphora’s CBD products enhance health, wellness and help achieve personal lifestyle goals through their pesticide-free, non-intoxicating and THC-free CBD cartridges. All products contain two simple ingredients, 100% organic CBD distillate and plant-sourced terpenes. Products retail at £35 and are launching with a 20% discount at £28 each, for a limited time. All Infused Amphora products are rigorously third-party lab-tested* for content and purity. Angus Taylor, CEO of parent company, Infused Products International LTD, commented: “Infused Amphora is about creating an unmatched customer experience by offering easy to understand products that deliver a specific and predictable experience such as athletic recovery, sleep, inspiration, and tranquility. We are aiming to grow this international brand to 24 exciting products in 2021. We’re on track to build our own supply chain and will be able to quickly move high quality products to market that meet the needs of our customers. We will use the UK as a launch pad to expand and enter additional international markets, such as Brazil and India, next year”. On the partnership with Vessel Brand, Angus Taylor added: “As Infused Amphora thoughtfully considered its entry into the UK market, we intentionally sought out the best-in-class market partner, Vessel Brand, a company with complimentary visions of supporting mental and physical health through an exceptional customer journey. Premium CBD is at the core of our customer experience, it’s a crucial step of many that also includes third-party testing to guarantee compliance, education, premium hardware technology and unparalleled customer service.” James Choe, CEO and Co-Founder Vessel Brand, Inc. commented: "We are honoured to partner with Infused Amphora because of their dedication to quality product and their willingness to challenge the industry status quo by designing a better experience for every customer. We’re seeing countless CBD-related brands hitting the market but majority of them are battling for the customer’s attention with the same commodity offering, or in some cases, a step up with fancy packaging. “The customer experience needs to push well beyond this. ‘Premium’ in our eyes, has little to do with a price point and everything to do with delivering on a brand promise - the customer experience doesn’t end at the point of quality consumable product, that is just the beginning. The thoughtfulness to extend the experience to the battery that powers your oil, the control you have over your consumption, the way you charge and store your oil, and how you feel when you interact with their support team - that is what makes their offering compelling and that shared philosophy is what makes our partnership so strong” added James Choe . * Each product comes with a Certificate of Analysis from an accredited testing lab. Notes to the Editor For further information please contact the Amphora press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@marketfinance.com or +44 (0) 20 3640 7759 and +44 (0) 771 400 7257. About Infused Amphora Infused Amphora is a premium CBD wellness brand formulated in the UK. It is owned by Infused Products International LTD, a global health-and-wellness product business. Infused Amphora is dedicated to providing all-natural, symptom-targeting and high-quality CBD products. Elevating users on their wellness journeys, each product is designed with a specific purpose, whether it’s sparking creativity, relieving stress, calming their thoughts before bed, or soothing muscle aches & pains. With only two simple ingredients (CBD distillate sourced from 100% organically grown hemp and plant-based terpenes to supply that beneficial entourage effect) we keep our customer’s health as our top priority. All of our products have zero harmful additives & solvents, are nicotine-free, pesticide-free, and THC-free to ensure no intoxicating effects, just pure bliss in every breath. Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@marketfinance.com Company Website https://www.infusedamphora.com/

September 30, 2020 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Fully Promoted® is Celebrating 20 Years with Nostalgic Business Campaign

Fully Promoted

Fully Promoted ®, the world’s largest branded products and marketing services franchise, is celebrating 20 years in business. The brand launched as EmbroidMe in 2000 as a small, family-owned business known for quality embroidered apparel and branded products. The brand was quickly recognized as the pioneer in the promotional products franchise. In 2017, after years of requests to provide more products and services to help businesses grow and get more customers, the brand became Fully Promoted powered by EmbroidMe. Fully Promoted is a one-stop destination for small and medium sized businesses looking for promotional products and branded apparel. While the brand always provided a wide range of products and services, specifically known for delivering “Cool Stuff and Awesome Results,” with the name change came additional custom apparel and promotional products to printing services, making the brand stronger than ever. Today, the brand has grown to over 300 franchise locations in more than 11 countries worldwide and has attracted some of the brightest and creative minds in the business. Each Fully Promoted location is independently owned and operated with knowledgeable individuals who will put together the best and most effective promotional products and marketing campaigns that have reached over a million customers over its 20 years. “I have been with the brand since inception and it’s been amazing to see how it’s evolved over the years. We truly have become the experts in branding and using promotional products in thoughtful and effective ways that benefit our clients,” said Mike Brugger, Fully Promoted brand President. “With decades of combined experience and global coverage, we have people all of all over the world helping businesses with quality promotional products, marketing ideas and embroidered apparel across every industry.” In 2019, the brand expanded further with the introduction Fully Promoted Office, providing customers more access and a host of quality services backed by the Fully Promoted name making it more convenient for customers. “With hundreds of locations in the United States and 20 years of experience, we are well positioned to meet customer demand for quality promotions and decorated apparel. The fact we embroider or print at many of our locations continues our 20-year trend of industry leading service,” added Brugger. Most recently, the brand launched its upgraded website to meet increased customer demand. The site allows customers to view products sold nationwide and pick them up at one of the local Fully Promoted locations. “We have a promotional product consultant available at all of our locations and chances are there is a location near you” said Brugger. As the site grows monthly, the Fully Promoted shopping platform will feature additional promotional products, and marketing ideas for businesses and organizations. A member of the United Franchise Group, Fully Promoted can access more than half a million promotional products . The company was formed by father and son team Roy and Ray Titus. To this day, Ray Titus continues the family legacy by holding the CEO position of United Franchise Group and consistently leading the company to reach new heights. Fully Promoted is currently seeking to partner with passionate entrepreneurs to become single or multi-unit franchisees. With a total investment as low as $85,000, Fully Promoted is a true turnkey investment with a well-developed business model. For more information on becoming a Fully Promoted franchise, visit FullyPromotedFranchise.com . About Fully Promoted Fully Promoted has 300 franchise locations across the globe. The brand operates a full-service branded products and marketing service business and is the place to attract customers. From promotional products and embroidery to expert printing services, Fully Promoted can help take businesses to the next level. Fully Promoted also offers an office-based model allowing franchisees to operate their business using a developed network of resources. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit http://www.FullyPromoted.com . About United Franchise Group Led by Founder and CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to an affiliated family of brands, including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimax, Jon Smith Subs, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors, Accurate Franchising, Venture X, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Network Lead Exchange and Resource Operations International (ROI). With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1,600 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs. This advertisement is not an offer to sell a franchise. Any offer to sell this franchise will be made by a Franchisor Disclosure Document and only following registration by Embroidme.com Inc dba Fully Promoted in any state requiring registration prior to sale. In New York: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. In California: These franchises have been registered under franchise investment law of the State of California. Such registration does not constitute approval, recommendation or endorsement by the Commissioner of business oversight nor a finding by the commissioner that the information provided herein is true, complete and not misleading. Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website https://fullypromoted.com/

September 28, 2020 05:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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MSC Cruises, Port Everglades, Matson, International Chamber of Shipping and Ocean Voyages Institute Among 2020 NAMEPA Marine Environment Protection Awards Recipients

North American Marine Environment Protection Association

Carleen Lyden Walker , Co-Founder and Executive Director of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), announced that MSC Cruises, Port Everglades, the International Chamber of Shipping for its Seafarer Welfare work, and Matson for Environmental Innovation are among the eight recipients of NAMEPA’s 2020 Marine Environment Protection Awards. Other recipients are: Ocean Voyages Institute, Sea Education Association, the U.S. Arctic Research Council and the Business Network for Offshore Wind’s Liz Burdock for the category of Individual. The Awards Program will be held virtually in conjunction with NAMEPA's Annual Conference on November 5th, which will focus on looking ahead to 2023 and preparing for the future. “Particularly in these turbulent times, it is uplifting to celebrate the accomplishments and positive actions of our maritime community,” stated Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and Executive Director of NAMEPA. “The marine industry works tirelessly to deliver more than 90% of the world’s goods and energy safely and with a keen eye to reducing its environmental impact. It is NAMEPA’s honor to highlight their efforts, along with community partners who share our values to “Save our Seas”. NAMEPA’s Marine Environment Protection Awards are given in recognition of an individual or organization’s innovative and extraordinary efforts to commit themselves to preserving the marine environment as exemplified by a commitment to programs which have specific objectives set for environmental performance and improvement. Eligible candidates include members of the commercial maritime industry, government agencies, educational organizations, innovation providers, ports, associations and individuals. Submissions are judged by the organization’s Board of Directors against the criteria behind the award. MSC Cruises is being recognized for its multifaceted environmental work throughout its fleet and organization. MSC Cruises has begun construction on up to 9 LNG powered ships which are being designed to be compatible with low carbon bio and synthetic fuels as they become available. Additionally, they completed the $200 million+ restoration of Ocean Cay in the Bahamas to its original, pristine state; and took meaningful steps to eliminate single-use plastics from their fleet. Matson is receiving the Environmental Innovation Award for the breadth, scope and investment in its entire environmental program, which includes innovative new technology, modernization of its fleet and terminals, participation in grants and clean-up programs, and detailed planning for long term future goals. In 2020 their vessel new build, vessel retrofit, and terminal improvement programs have all come to fruition, bringing Matson’s environmental program to its industry-leading position. Ocean Voyages Institute recently conducted two voyages into the Pacific Gyre (often referred to as the “Pacific Garbage Patch”) with a record setting haul of abandoned nets, fishing gear, and other plastic debris which collects in the gyre. The non-profit organization seeks to expand its program by partnering with the marine industry to increase the capture of these harmful pollutants. The first NAMEPA Marine Environment Protection Award was presented 13 years ago posthumously to the founder of the MEPA movement, George P. Livanos who created HELMEPA over 30 years ago due to his interest and concern for the marine environment. Since then, award recipients have included Maersk, Euronav, CLIA, Joe Cox, the Port of Los Angeles, International Seaways, the Port of Montreal, the OAS-CIP, American Salvage Association, NOAA and the New York Harbor School among others. The NAMEPA Annual Conference including a Leadership Roundtable panel will precede the Awards Program, consisting of senior leadership individuals from many of the of the award recipients. For more information on attending, contact NAMEPA . There is a charge to attend, but students, active mariners and government personnel are guests. Admittance is by reservation only and is limited. The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) was officially launched in 2007. NAMEPA is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources. For more information, go to www.namepa.net. Contact Details Carleen Lyden Walker +1 203-255-4686 executivedirector@namepa.net Company Website https://namepa.net/

September 22, 2020 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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US companies spending billions each month to return staff back to work

Huma

Getting businesses back up and running and employees back to work is critical to the US economic recovery. However, there’s confusion between employers and anxiety for workers returning to work. Digital health and therapeutics company Huma asked 5,000 US employees and 2,000 US employers about their views on returning to work. Only one in five businesses feel suitably informed on the specific policies/procedures they need to ensure a safe working environment for their employees. Yet employers are spending loads of money to reopen workplaces safely. Employers estimate that they will spend $3.4 billion per month overall, and $61.23 per employee each month to ensure employee health and safety. Nearly 9 in 10 employers (86%) have instituted new hygiene protocols, updated workplace layouts, and have a smaller workforce. While employers are readying the workplace, they have not planned for managing COVID-19 cases. Few employers have made accommodations for managing COVID-19 exposure. Only one-fifth of employers have updated sick leave policies (22%) or communications policies for exposure (19%). Economic realities are scaring employees more than health and safety risks Shockingly, two-thirds of employees believe their health and safety could be compromised in the workplace. Despite these fears, most employees are eager to get back to work, with over half of workers (52%) ready to get back to work today. Of those employees who have already returned to their workplace, only one in four (27%) employees are confident in the measures in place to ensure their safety and wellbeing. What’s driving employees’ concerns are interactions with other people, with respondents citing their co-workers’ hygiene (17%) and commuters (25%) as two of the three factors they were worried about, along with the workplace environment (21%). What causes the greatest fear for nearly three-quarters (72%) of employees is their coworker’s hygiene, which they rank as the single most significant factor in COVID-19 transmission at the workplace. Managing employee health for a safe workplace Employers have invested in the physical workplace, but have not put systems in place to manage employee health and COVID-19 case communications to ensure safer workplaces. Overwhelmingly, two-thirds (67%) of employees would be willing to do a daily symptom check-in with their employers, and the majority (75%) would be comfortable with employers tracking their symptoms. Moreover, nine in ten businesses (87%) are comfortable monitoring their employees' symptoms. This research shows that there’s a willingness on both sides to manage employee health, yet few are doing so. Dan Vahdat, founder and CEO of Huma, commented : “What this research identifies are the concerns of employers and employees in managing health and safety at the workplace during the COVID-19 era. Employers are spending millions to create a safe work environment, but not on solutions to manage employee health.” “Employers need new solutions and guidance on how to manage their health and wellbeing of their employees and provide assurance that they are prepared for COVID-19. Without new solutions to help manage workplace safety, businesses and the economy are going to take longer to recover.” Digital health and therapeutics company Huma is helping businesses and employees return to work safely. Huma Health Shield gives employees an easy-to-use mobile app to confidentially self-report their symptoms, track vital signs, and see their exposure risk. Employers have access to a secure web-based portal to see their workforce’s overall health while still protecting employee privacy. Ends Notes the editor Research findings based on a survey of 5,000 US employees and 2,000 US companies conducted in September 2020. About Huma Huma partners with scientists, technologists, and healthcare professionals to understand, treat, and ultimately prevent ill health. Giving knowledge and power to those with medical conditions, while saving clinicians time, energy, and valuable resources. Because, by collectively benefiting from the data we individually generate, we can all live our longest, fullest lives. www.huma.com Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 bilal.mahmood@huma.com Company Website https://huma.com/

September 16, 2020 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Get your next visa in 60 seconds with Atlas

Atlas Visa, Inc.

Over 97% of travelers feel that applying for visas is the most stressful part of travel planning. From figuring out what’s required to filling up lengthy forms, preparing a visa application takes 6 hours on average. The current process also involves several physical touch points such as getting photos and applications notarized in-person. In a covid-impacted world, travelers are actively seeking digital alternatives that do not involve such interactions. Atlas , a San Francisco-based startup, is on a mission to fix this problem. Its revolutionary mobile app cuts down the time taken to prepare a visa application to under 60 seconds. It does so by automating all aspects of visa preparation - from form filling, to generating supporting documents as well as providing expert guidance. Atlas works by asking travelers a few simple questions about themselves and their travel plans, and generates a complete visa application in real-time. In addition, travelers are able to book visa appointments, notarize their documents remotely, and get AI-powered expert assistance. Founder and CEO Mohak Nahta says “visas are a prerequisite to travel but wasting hours on visa preparation is inherently prohibitive for the modern-day traveler. Atlas is doing for visas what TurboTax did for taxes.” Mohak draws from years of experience in leading the development of successful internet products, and sits on the panels of prominent technology-focused events. Atlas is the only application of its kind on the Apple App Store and has fundamentally reshaped visa preparation infrastructure. The app is currently out in the United States, and will be rolled out internationally in the coming months. Atlas makes it simple for travelers to prepare their visa applications. Contact Details Atlas Newsroom +1 847-757-3428 contact@atlasvisa.co Company Website https://www.atlasvisa.co/

September 15, 2020 07:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Fully Promoted® Now Offering Unique New Product to Combat Germs and Bacteria

Fully Promoted

Fully Promoted ®, the world’s largest branded products and marketing services franchise, announced today it will now offer nanoDefense ® products. The product line is comprised of recognizable, replaceable film that has a proprietary coating which activates in the presence of light to create a self-cleaning service. The surface engineered to repel contaminants allowing it to easily be wiped clean with water, but more importantly ingredients are actively involved in destroying organic compounds. The nanoDefense ® products are intended to be used by businesses on high touch surfaces in lighted areas, where the coating can work to remove viruses, bacteria, and contaminants. Fully Promoted recommends using the products on doors, elevator buttons, restrooms, touchscreens, self-service items and on mass transit. “Offering the nanoDefense ® products to our customers is another way that Fully Promoted is helping businesses get back to business,” said Mike Brugger, Fully Promoted brand President. “Businesses will find comfort in knowing that high touch points throughout their facilities are combating the growth and spread of contagions. Employees will be equally comfortable knowing that their work environment is safer.” In addition to offering nanoDefense ® , Fully Promoted offers a vast selection of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that will help businesses get back to business. Most recently, Fully Promoted launched social distancing bracelets for networking events. The color-coded wristbands indicate an individuals preferred level of interaction. A member of the United Franchise Group, Fully Promoted can access more than half a million promotional products . For more information about Fully Promoted, the nanoDefense ® products, or to receive a product sample, contact your local Fully Promoted store. About Fully Promoted Fully Promoted has 300 locations across the globe. The brand operates a full-service branded products and marketing service business and is the place to attract customers. From promotional products and embroidery to expert printing services, Fully Promoted can help take businesses to the next level. Fully Promoted also offers an office-based model allowing franchisees to operate their business using a developed network of resources. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit www.FullyPromoted.com , and for franchising opportunities, visit www.FullyPromotedFranchise.com . Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website http://www.fullypromoted.com/

September 09, 2020 10:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Fully Promoted Launches Social Distancing Bracelets for Networking Events

Fully Promoted

Fully Promoted , the world’s largest branded products and marketing services franchise, is helping businesses get back to business with its wide range of promotional products. Most recently, Michelle Bottino, owner and operator of Fully Promoted St. Charles in Illinois, helped her local Chamber of Commerce execute a successful event with the use of color-coded wristbands to identify comfort levels regarding social distancing. Bottino, an active member of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, recently collaborated with the Chamber to determine an effective way to drive event attendance while maintaining social distance and allowing attendees to feel comfortable. Together, the two came up with providing attendees with color-coded wristbands. The branded, disposable bracelets were available at the check-in table. Guests were given the option to choose from three bracelets to indicate their preferred level of interaction. Green – Happy to high five and hug! Yellow – I am okay with talking but please no hugging or handshakes. Red – Happy to see you but keeping my distance. “My business focuses primarily on helping others promote their businesses. I couldn’t help but think that I could do more for them right now as they rebuild and get back to networking in person in some fashion,” said Bottino. “The wristband is just one of the many ways we are looking to get businesses back to business at a time when they need us the most. The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce chose to use this affordable yet extremely effective visual aid to help put attendees at ease while attending an event and adhering to local guidelines and regulations. It takes away the need to verbally express, Hey… I’m here, but I‘m not comfortable shaking hands just yet. At Fully Promoted, our goal is to keep our customers safe, but we have to learn to live with COVID and get back to business.” With the success of this event and others like it, Fully Promoted has introduced an entire line of Networking Bracelets for in person gatherings and events including reusable silicone bracelets, rubber wristbands and Tyvek paper wristbands . “The past several months has presented challenges across every single industry,” said Mike Brugger, President of Fully Promoted. “I am proud of Michelle and our entire Fully Promoted network for their dedication to helping their local communities as businesses reopen. Michelle and the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce identified a safe way for businesses to get back to business and successfully host events where everyone can feel comfortable.” Today, businesses need to be equipped with user-friendly and on-demand tools to remain top-of-mind. With approximately 300 locations worldwide, Fully Promoted is uniquely positioned to give customers an online and physical option so they can see and touch the product prior to purchasing. For businesses seeking content and promotional products , you are encouraged to visit the Fully Promoted shopping platform featuring hundreds of quality promotional products. A member of the United Franchise Group, Fully Promoted can access more than half a million promotional products, plus it offers a comprehensive suite of marketing services that include print, digital marketing, and lead generation. For more information about Fully Promoted and to visit the new online shopping site, visit Shop.FullyPromoted.com . About Fully Promoted Fully Promoted has approximately 300 locations across the globe. The brand operates a full-service branded products and marketing service business and is the place to attract customers. From promotional products and embroidery to expert printing services, Fully Promoted can help take businesses to the next level. Fully Promoted also offers an office-based model allowing franchisees to operate their business using a developed network of resources. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit www.FullyPromoted.com , and for franchising opportunities, visit www.FullyPromotedFranchise.com . Contact Details Brittny Fuchs +1 561-812-6032 bfuchs@ufgcorp.com Company Website http://www.fullypromoted.com/

September 03, 2020 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Bactro Responds to COVID-19 Precautionary Trends with New Consumer Offerings

Bactro LLC

Bactro LLC has responded to the changing COVID-19 pandemic precautions and developed unique PPE kits available direct to consumers. As the country starts to return to community activities with social distancing interactions, many state and county authorities require masks to participate in daily routines and community activities. Further evidenced by the CDC report on August 3, 2020, that recommends people that have contracted COVID-19 should be isolated for at least 10 days after symptom onset, and also quarantine for an additional 24 hours after their fever subsides. These recommendations have led Bactro to find ways to help people return to their normal daily routines with the protective equipment they need, all in one convenient package. “When the pandemic first hit, we saw consumers struggling to find all of the PPE items they needed. One might find sanitizing wipes, but no masks, or sanitizer. Though now as Americans get back to their lives we have found that consumers are needing supplies that are suited to a one-use purpose, such as traveling, or returning to their place of work,” said Bactro creator Tim Svitak. “It provides people with the protection they need in one convenient kit.” As our economy restarts, with people returning to their place of work, children returning to their classrooms, and stores opening their doors, it is vital that individuals have the protective equipment they need. Buying in bulk serves certain workplace demands, however, PPE in bulk is not typically individually wrapped, which can allow the PPE to be susceptible to germs and bacteria. Also, washing cloth masks daily, especially for parents of school children, is not an easy or convenient task. Bactro is dedicated to providing safer, healthier products through innovations to all. To learn more about Bactro's protective products visit bactro.com. Contact Details Tim Svitak Jr. +1 720-805-3763 timsvitak@bactro.com Company Website https://www.bactro.com

September 03, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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World’s largest Urdu-language festival goes online

Rekhta Foundation UK

Jashn-e-Rekhta 2020 (“Festival of Urdu language”) will present a finely curated artistic programme representing the rich tapestry of Urdu culture & heritage . The sixth edition of the world’s largest Urdu-language festival was to be hosted outside India for the first time, in London this year. However, given COVID-19 measures and in the spirit of the show must go on , organisers have taken it online, but it promises to be a fully immersive and interactive experience for attendees. The two-day cultural event is a virtual re-creation of the annual Jashn-e-Rekhta festival that takes place in Delhi, India. The online event will be easy to join and will showcase exclusive sessions and will open a digital archive of art forms including poetry (mushaira), literature, storytelling (dastangoi), ghazals, sufi music, qawwali as well as dance & drama. It is the brainchild of Sanjiv Saraf, who set up the Rekhta Foundation in 2012 which has curated world’s largest online free repository of Urdu language poetry on Rekhta.org (it is visited by over 300,000 people every month from 175 countries). Sanjiv Saraf, Founder, Rekhta Foundation commented: “It is my ambition to spotlight everything the Urdu-language has given us, from poetry, prose, philosophy, a humane and civilized medium of communication and of course, timeless romance. Unfortunately we cannot, as yet, host a physical event in London, but the UK is an obvious destination for the festival. Urdu is the fourth main language in England and Wales and ranked third in the top 10 most spoken languages in London. Hopefully, we will be back in the UK soon with a live festival.” “As one of the most elegant languages, Urdu can express love in all its manifestations, divine and earthly, using the most beautiful symbolism. No matter who speaks it, magic is always felt. This global festival gives us the opportunity to experience this magic through musical performances, discourses, dance and theatre.” The festival will bring to life 32 sessions across three stages over the weekend. Some highlights, as well as those made especially for the UK, include: Javed Akhtar and Manoj Muntashir, poets and lyricists from two different generations present ‘ Cinema – Kal aur Aaj’ – a conversation around films, lyrics and Urdu poetry. Dr. Azra Raza, the highly acclaimed physicist, scientist and author presents the world of Ghalib in her grand style. The play ‘Miya, Biwi aur Wagah’ - an Indo-Pak story told through letters by the UAE based journalist duo Amna Khaishgi & Ehtesham Shahid, will be screened, marking its first ever screening in the UK region. Zia Mohyeddin will recite Padhant and Anwar Maqsood will share Aina Khane Mein Lafz Yawar Abbas relives the golden years of radio with fellow broadcasters Raza Ali Abidi and Pervaiz Alam . Sania Saeed, renowned Pakistani actor, Tanuja Chandra , Indian film director, and Nasreen Munni Kabir, filmmaker and author, will discuss the contribution of Urdu to the world of cinema and television. Celebrating the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev , another specially curated session of music and poetry will be showcased. Talat Aziz and Shilpa Rao from India and Rafaqat Ali Khan from Pakistan will partake in a session titled ‘Ghazal Gayaki – Aathve Sur ki talaash’ where they’ll talk about the traditions of Ghazal singing, the aesthetics and how can be best connect the millennials with our traditions. Attendees will enjoy two complete days of this virtual experience and it can be accessed from any part of the world in the comfort of their home. They will also have a 15-day on-demand viewing access allowing them to catch-up on sessions. For festival tickets and full programme schedule, visit www,jashnerekhta.org.uk/ Ends About Rekhta Foundation UK A registered UK charity, Rekhta Foundation UK aims at preservation & promotion of languages, literature and culture of South Asia with a particular focus on Urdu. The Foundation is working towards engaging renowned academics and cultural leaders in Urdu from across the globe to spread awareness amongst the diaspora. Contact Details Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@marketfinance.com Company Website https://jashnerekhta.org.uk/

August 28, 2020 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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