Gorakhpur: Beginning with a keynote address by BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan, TOI-UP Transformation Dialogues in Gorakhpur comprised four panel discussions and two fireside chats focusing on the region’s changing economic, industrial and social landscape.The first panel discussion, on ‘Reindustrialising the East: Investment, Jobs and Skills’, highlighted the expanding industrial ecosystem and the need for industry-ready skills. DDU Gorakhpur University’s Mahendra Kumar Singh said universities were aligning courses with industry needs. Hindustan Urvarak Rasayan Ltd vice-president Sanjay Kumar Gupta credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath for the revival of the fertiliser plant in Gorakhpur. Chamber of Industries president R N Singh said Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority has attracted huge investment since 2018.‘Law and Order and Investment: Confidence in the East’ was the topic of the second panel discussion, focusing on changing crime patterns, cyber fraud and women’s safety. DDU professor Divya Rani Singh stressed cyber awareness among young people, particularly women, and urged industries to provide opportunities to freshers. Former UP DGP Vikram Singh spoke about changes in policing, while SP City Nemish Patel highlighted the need for specialised cybercrime training.In the health panel discussion, AIIMS Gorakhpur executive director Vibha Dutta said encephalitis cases declined sharply, while AIIMS OPD footfall had risen to 5,000-6,000 patients a day. IMA secretary Y Singh highlighted changes easing compliance for private practitioners.The panel discussion on connectivity featured NER CPRO Sumit Kumar, Aisshpra Group chairman Atul Saraf and AAI Gorakhpur airport director Sanjay Kumar. Speakers highlighted improved rail and air links and 100% railway electrification.The fireside chats brought personal and business perspectives. Mayank Agarwal spoke on ‘Building Industry from the East: The Business Case for Investing in Eastern Uttar Pradesh’, highlighting the region’s investment potential. Terracotta artisan Rajan Prajapati shared his personal journey and spoke about how his business and life, as well as those of other terracotta artisans, had changed since 2017.
