UP Tak, the digital-first Hindi news platform of the India Today Group, is hosting the ‘Viksit UP Baithak’ today, January 29, 2026, in Jhansi, bringing together key voices to reflect on the aspirations, challenges and future direction of Uttar Pradesh. The initiative aims to create a meaningful forum for dialogue around the state’s socio-economic priorities, with a focus on practical pathways for inclusive development.

The Baithak is envisioned as a space where grassroots perspectives intersect with policy thinking and sectoral expertise. Policymakers, business leaders and social change-makers are engaging in open conversations to shape a shared vision for a more prosperous Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s largest and most populous states.

The discussions feature participation from a cross-section of sectors including education, healthcare, industry, sports and governance. Senior leaders and experts present at the event include Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Former IAS and Advisor to the Chief Minister; Sanjay Kumar Khatri, IAS, CEO of the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority; Hargovind Kushwaha, State Minister; and Manoharlal Panth (Mannu Kori), State Minister, Labour Service Scheme Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

The line-up also includes Mukesh Pandey, Vice-Chancellor; Abhinav Gaur, Director, Shatam Jeeva; Rajeev Babbar, President, Laghu Udyog Bharati; and Mukesh Mishra, Managing Director and Chairman, Royal City Developer. Adding further perspectives to the discussions are noted sports coaches Ashok Dhyanchand and Subodh Khandekar, along with athlete Shivam Anand, highlighting the role of sports and youth development in the state’s progress.

Commenting on the initiative, Milind Khandekar, Managing Editor, TAK Channels, said the ‘Viksit UP Baithak’ was conceived as a platform for honest, informed and forward-looking conversations around Uttar Pradesh’s development priorities. He noted that as the state continues to make progress across sectors, it becomes increasingly important to create spaces where decision-makers and experts can exchange ideas, address challenges and explore solutions rooted in real-world experience.

All conversations, interviews and panel discussions from the ‘Viksit UP Baithak’ will be made available on the UP Tak YouTube channel, allowing audiences across the state to watch, engage and participate in the dialogue shaping the future of Uttar Pradesh.