The sixth edition of TOI Dialogues – turned the spotlight on how New Uttar Pradesh is evolving into a more liveable, mobile and culturally vibrant state, with panellists emphasising the transformative power of infrastructure on daily life, opportunities and identity.
Titled “Life, Travel, and Play: The Real Impact of Infrastructure in New Uttar Pradesh”, the discussion was moderated by Prasad Sanyal, Business Head, TimesofIndia.com, and brought together actor-entrepreneur Gul Panag , former Indian cricketer RP Singh, and author Akshat Gupta.
Gul Panag underlined the direct link between infrastructure and empowerment, especially for women. “Structure is empowerment. I’ve seen firsthand how improved roads, better public transport has unlocked opportunity for women. When infrastructure is built with a people-first mindset, you can see its impact across society… 50% of the country’s human resource and the state’s human resource is now being able to contribute equally to the ecosystem,” she said, adding that this shift is vital for economic and social development.
RP Singh reflected on the role of the state government in nurturing sporting talent. “The UP government has played a very big role in my growth. In 1975, Sports College was opened… in cricket in 2004-05, me and (Suresh) Raina represented the country after 30 years. One has to have a little patience. But even now, I think there are some areas where we can do better infrastructure-wise for our sports,” he remarked.
Akshat Gupta spoke about the state’s unmatched cultural and religious tourism potential. “Uttar Pradesh in itself is the centre of India and if both Rama and Krishna are here, then think where we can reach in religious tourism with good infrastructure, which we are reaching,” he said.
The TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter, held in Lucknow on August 7, brought together policymakers, industry leaders and changemakers to explore urban development , smart mobility, cultural revival and sustainable growth in Uttar Pradesh. Organisers said the aim was to “spark meaningful conversations” about the state’s infrastructure journey, which is now seen as a driver of opportunity, connectivity and cultural pride.
Titled “Life, Travel, and Play: The Real Impact of Infrastructure in New Uttar Pradesh”, the discussion was moderated by Prasad Sanyal, Business Head, TimesofIndia.com, and brought together actor-entrepreneur Gul Panag , former Indian cricketer RP Singh, and author Akshat Gupta.
Gul Panag underlined the direct link between infrastructure and empowerment, especially for women. “Structure is empowerment. I’ve seen firsthand how improved roads, better public transport has unlocked opportunity for women. When infrastructure is built with a people-first mindset, you can see its impact across society… 50% of the country’s human resource and the state’s human resource is now being able to contribute equally to the ecosystem,” she said, adding that this shift is vital for economic and social development.
WATCH | “Infrastructure is empowerment”, says @GulPanag , actor, producer, entrepreneur and licensed pilot, at #TOIInfraDialogues
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) August 7, 2025
(in conversation with @PrasadScribe) pic.twitter.com/y2waJ9JeX2
RP Singh reflected on the role of the state government in nurturing sporting talent. “The UP government has played a very big role in my growth. In 1975, Sports College was opened… in cricket in 2004-05, me and (Suresh) Raina represented the country after 30 years. One has to have a little patience. But even now, I think there are some areas where we can do better infrastructure-wise for our sports,” he remarked.
“Uttar Pradesh government played a huge role in my growth...there are some areas where we can do better in sports infrastructure”, says former Indian cricketer RP Singh at #TOIInfraDialogues
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) August 7, 2025
(in conversation with @PrasadScribe) pic.twitter.com/M50ixWtSE8
Akshat Gupta spoke about the state’s unmatched cultural and religious tourism potential. “Uttar Pradesh in itself is the centre of India and if both Rama and Krishna are here, then think where we can reach in religious tourism with good infrastructure, which we are reaching,” he said.
"If both Ram and Krishna are here (in Uttar Pradesh), just imagine how far we can go in terms of religious tourism with good infrastructure…”, says author Akshat Gupta at #TOIInfraDialogues
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) August 7, 2025
(in conversation with @PrasadScribe) pic.twitter.com/pMN5WJdNhP
The TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter, held in Lucknow on August 7, brought together policymakers, industry leaders and changemakers to explore urban development , smart mobility, cultural revival and sustainable growth in Uttar Pradesh. Organisers said the aim was to “spark meaningful conversations” about the state’s infrastructure journey, which is now seen as a driver of opportunity, connectivity and cultural pride.
You may also like
UK's 'worst' broadband officially confirmed - is your supplier bottom of this list?
Trump Halts Trade Talks with India Amid Tariff Tensions, Cites Russian Oil Imports as Key Concern
WhatsApp: WhatsApp's new 'Safety Overview' tool launched, 68 lakh scam accounts caught..
Gold Prices Surge Ahead of Raksha Bandhan: 24-Carat Gold Crosses ₹1.02 Lakh on August 8 Amid Global Trade Tensions
'Intention was not to cast aspersion': SC on its order rapping HC judge; deletes observations from order
