UP Tak, the digital-first news platform from the India Today Group, hosted the ‘Viksit UP Baithak’ in Jhansi on January 29, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue around Uttar Pradesh’s development journey. The event focused on governance, policy priorities, and sectoral growth, bringing together voices from across administration, education, healthcare, industry, and sports.

The baithak was designed to encourage open conversations on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Uttar Pradesh. Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, participants shared insights on regional development, industrial growth, social infrastructure, and the role of collaboration in driving sustainable progress.

The event saw participation from senior officials and public representatives, including Awanish Kumar Awasthi, former IAS officer and advisor to the Chief Minister, and Sanjay Kumar Khatri, IAS and CEO of the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority. State ministers Hargovind Kushwaha and Manoharlal Panth also joined the discussions, along with academics, industry leaders, and sports professionals.

Other notable speakers included Mukesh Pandey, vice-chancellor; Abhinav Gaur, director at Shatam Jeeva; Rajeev Babbar, president of Laghu Udyog Bharati; and Mukesh Mishra, managing director and chairman of Royal City Developer. The sports community was represented by coaches Ashok Dhyanchand and Subodh Khandekar, along with athlete Shivam Anand, who shared perspectives on grassroots development and talent nurturing.

Commenting on the initiative, Milind Khandekar, Managing Editor, TAK Channels, said the baithak was created to enable honest, informed, and forward-looking discussions on the state’s priorities. All sessions from the event will be available on the UP Tak YouTube channel, extending the conversation beyond the venue.