TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter: UP’s health & heritage tourism vision promotes sightseeing to soul seeing | India News

The sixth edition of TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter was held in Lucknow on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, changemakers, and experts for engaging panel discussions and fireside chats on urban development, smart mobility, sustainability, and industrial growth. The event also served as a networking hub for real estate developers, infrastructure consultants, and investors exploring opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.The final panel of the day, “Health & Heritage: Building a Resilient, Tourism-Driven Uttar Pradesh”, carried the theme Digital Transformation: Integrating Health and Heritage and was moderated by Sanjay Bhatnagar.The panel featured Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh (IAS); Pramit Mishra, Unit Head of Max Healthcare in Lucknow; Shantanu Gupta, author of The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh; and Puja Singh, Life Coach and Co-Founder of My Mom’s Village.When asked about UP’s health agenda, Pramit Mishra said, “With the legendary medical schools UP has produced, doctors are serving not only in the country but across the globe.”Responding to Bhatnagar’s question on whether there is a structured policy for medical tourism, Mukesh Kumar Meshram responded, “As such under medical tourism we haven’t processed such policies but we are in process of doing so.”He further added that, “There are two aspects in UP, one is medical tourism for hospitals and medical colleges, where people come to get treatment at a lower cost compared to other countries. Second is wellness tourism, focusing mainly on preventive measures, especially after COVID-19.”Speaking about her organisation’s role, Puja Singh said, “We are contributing in the aspect of rural tourism, sustainable tourism, and wellness tourism. Our primary focus is shifting the tourism lens from sightseeing to soul seeing.”On UP’s tourism potential, Shantanu Gupta praised the state’s infrastructure and the successful organisation of the Mahakumbh, noting the massive number of visitors this year.The Lucknow edition of TOI Dialogues also hosted discussions on defence-linked infrastructure, Maha Kumbh 2025 preparations, police modernisation, and heritage revival. Building on past editions in Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi, the event continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on UP’s infrastructure-led growth, attracting enthusiastic participation from government officials, investors, and industry leaders alike.