Azamgarh: A ‘UP Dialogue’ programme was organised at Hotel Golden Fortune in Civil Lines, Azamgarh, on Sunday to discuss development, good governance and youth participation in Uttar Pradesh. The event, themed ‘Azamgarh Rising: Heritage, Education, Security and Economic Growth’, brought together young people, experts and distinguished guests to discuss the district’s cultural heritage, higher education, law and order, entrepreneurship and economic growth opportunities.
Organised by Friends of Yogi under the Friends of UP initiative, the programme focused on connecting Azamgarh’s local strengths with emerging opportunities in education, employment, investment and enterprise.
The discussions also covered the development model of the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with speakers highlighting education, job creation, women’s empowerment, industrial investment and the promotion of local products as important areas for development.
The main speakers included Professor Sanjeev Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Suhel Dev University, Azamgarh; Dr Omkar Rai, an expert in public policy, startups and innovation; and Shashank Shekhar Singh, CEO of the Adhyayan Foundation for Policy and Research.
Universities Must Promote Innovation and Job Creation: Professor Sanjeev Kumar
Professor Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that the role of universities should extend beyond providing education and awarding degrees. According to him, higher education institutions must also encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and employment generation among young people.
He highlighted the importance of the university’s Innovation and Incubation Centre in helping students turn their ideas into practical solutions, establish startups and develop businesses.
Professor Kumar also referred to opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, poultry, environmental protection, climate change and social development. He said young people could contribute to these areas by developing useful ideas and innovative solutions.
His remarks underlined the importance of connecting education and research with practical needs to create employment opportunities and support local development.
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Startups and Local Products Can Create New Employment Opportunities: Dr Omkar Rai
Dr Omkar Rai encouraged young people to move beyond seeking jobs and consider becoming entrepreneurs who create employment for others.
Referring to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he discussed industrial investment and the expansion of economic activity in the state.
He highlighted the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme as an important initiative for promoting local products through improved branding, marketing and market access.
According to the discussions, strengthening the reach of traditional products can create new opportunities for artisans, small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Better access to markets can also help local industries expand their customer base and contribute to employment generation.
Education, Women’s Empowerment and Public Participation Can Strengthen Azamgarh: Shashank Shekhar Singh
Shashank Shekhar Singh, CEO of the Adhyayan Foundation for Policy and Research, discussed developments in Uttar Pradesh since 2017, referring to changes related to law and order, industrial investment, healthcare facilities and women’s empowerment.
He urged young people to spread awareness about government schemes so that eligible beneficiaries could learn about and access the opportunities available to them.
The schemes highlighted during his address included:
- Chief Minister Abhyudaya Yojana: An initiative aimed at supporting students preparing for competitive examinations.
- Atal Residential Schools: Educational institutions intended to provide educational opportunities to eligible children.
- Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana: A scheme supporting eligible entrepreneurs and small businesses through loans.
- Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy: A policy framework intended to encourage startups, innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
He stressed the importance of public participation and awareness in ensuring that development initiatives reach the people who need them.
Investment, Industry and Local Products to Drive Economic Growth
The programme also featured discussions on expanding investment, industry, skill development and employment opportunities to strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth.
Speakers identified ease of doing business, law and order, and infrastructure facilities as important factors in attracting investment and encouraging industrial development.
The discussion also explored ways to promote Azamgarh’s traditional products, particularly its famous black pottery, by connecting local artisans with modern markets and digital platforms.
Improved branding, online marketing and wider market access can help traditional crafts reach more customers while creating opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs. Such efforts can also support the preservation of the district’s cultural heritage while encouraging economic activity.
UP Dialogue Initiative Aims to Discuss Local Development Opportunities
The UP Dialogue series, organised under the Friends of UP initiative, aims to provide a common platform for young people, experts and representatives from different fields to discuss the development journey, local challenges and future opportunities of districts across Uttar Pradesh.
The Azamgarh programme focused on bringing together perspectives on education, entrepreneurship, public policy, security, investment and cultural heritage.
Sachchidanand Prasad, Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), was also present at the event, along with young participants and other distinguished guests.
The discussions highlighted the potential of education, innovation, local enterprise and public participation to support Azamgarh’s development and connect its traditional strengths with emerging economic opportunities.
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