A nine-member media delegation from Arunachal Pradesh explored Gujarat’s development initiatives, technological innovations, infrastructure and cultural heritage during a weeklong press tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Itanagar, from September 6 to 12. Led by PIB Itanagar Joint Director Utsav Parmar, the delegation visited Ahmedabad, Dholera, Vadodara and Ekta Nagar, gaining first-hand exposure to projects and institutions across urban planning, industry, technology, education, transportation, financial services, cooperatives and heritage conservation. In Ahmedabad, the journalists visited Kochrab Ashram, the Sabarmati Riverfront and CEPT University, while the Dholera visit provided insights into integrated industrial planning and the emerging semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. At the National Forensic Sciences University, the delegation learned about forensic science, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence applications. The journalists also visited GIFT City to understand India’s growing financial and technology services ecosystem. In Anand, the delegation studied AMUL’s cooperative model, dairy processing and value-addition practices, while discussions also explored the potential for developing similar cooperative opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh. Visits to Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and the National Academy of Indian Railways highlighted the importance of specialised education, multimodal connectivity and skilled human resources. The tour also featured cultural and heritage engagements, including Pratap Vilas Palace, the Raja Ravi Varma Art Studio, the Statue of Unity and Sardar Sarovar Dam, along with an interaction with members of the Rathwa tribal community. The visit provided the Arunachal media delegation with an opportunity to exchange ideas, understand diverse development models and strengthen professional engagement between the media and government. PIB Itanagar said similar programmes would be organised in the future to promote dialogue, information sharing and greater public understanding of development initiatives. For the participating journalists, the tour offered fresh perspectives on innovation, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, institutional development and cultural preservation that could inform public discussion in Arunachal Pradesh and the wider North-East.
