BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan, who won from the Gorapkhpur constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, was the keynote speaker and said the land has fostered revolutionary ideas and given birth to many freedom fighters.
Watch full keynote address
Repeatedly thanking TOI for holding the maiden event in Gorakhpur, the MP noted that the city’s name means abode of Gorakhnath, a renowned ascetic who was a prominent saint of the Nath Sampradaya.
“Many people do not know much about Gorakhpur besides the fact that CM Yogi Adityanath was an MP from here, the Goraknath temple and Gita Press. But there is more to the city and Gorakhphur’s story – and those of other unsung cities – will now be told thanks to TOI Dialogues,” said Kishan.
He, however, noted that Gorakhpur was also once known as the “Chicago of the East because of the gang wars, crime, killings, land grabbing and the mafias”.
“This all changed after chief minister Yogi Adityanath came to power in the state in 2017,” the MP said, adding that Gorakhpur has undergone major transformation over the years and “more is yet to come”.
The BJP leader said the CM and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have big plans for the city and want the youth and students to have ample opportunities to grow and use their skills.
During his first 5-year stint as MP, Kishan said he had raised over 500 questions. He recalled how he had raised a row after his maiden speech in Parliament centered around narcotics and drug abuse.
Bhojpuri film industry
Talking about the burgeoning Bhojpuri film industry which now employs lakhs of people, Kishan said many people had laughed and mocked him for trying to start the local film industry but “today, everyone considers it a success”.
The MP said he hopes to set up a regional film city soon besides starting work on a new airport and implementing central schemes to provide more jobs to the youth.
Gorakhpur has been a key contributor to Uttar Pradesh’s economic and social progress in recent times.
TOI Dialogues’ panel discussions delved into the city’s role in propelling the state forward.
The talks also centered around the end of mafia raj, changing face of the city’s healthcare infrastructure and emergence of Gorakhpur as a major business hub.
Actors Rasika Dugal and Jimmy Shergill were also part of the panel discussion.
