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Lucknow dialogue highlights the potential of heritage tourism, legacy businesses and entrepreneurship to create jobs and new economic opportunities
Pooja Srivastava
Anytime News Network
: India’s rich cultural heritage can become a powerful engine for entrepreneurship, tourism and employment while retaining its authenticity and character. This was the central theme of a special dialogue organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Uttar Pradesh, on “Heritage, Legacy Enterprise & Entrepreneurship in 21st Century Bharat.”
The session brought together leaders from the heritage, tourism, business and government sectors to explore how India’s living legacy can be preserved while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
The dialogue was attended by Shriji Huzur Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur, the 77th Custodian of the House of Mewar, and Shri Amrit Abhijat, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar emphasised that heritage should not be treated merely as a symbol of the past. He described it as a living legacy capable of contributing to society, culture and the economy. He stressed the role of young people in preserving traditions while embracing innovation and modern entrepreneurship.
Amrit Abhijat highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s enormous heritage and tourism potential. He emphasised the need to develop heritage destinations in ways that create economic opportunities without compromising conservation or authenticity. Strengthening tourism infrastructure and connectivity, he said, would help position Uttar Pradesh as a leading tourism destination.
Abhishek Saraff, Chairman, CII Uttar Pradesh and MD, Avadh Rail Infra Ltd, said heritage can become the foundation for new tourism experiences, local businesses and employment when government, industry and heritage custodians work together.
Gaurav Prakash, Founder Chair, Yi Lucknow and Partner, Universal Booksellers, underlined the importance of combining heritage, entrepreneurship and professional management so that conservation and economic development can progress together.
The dialogue explored the growing potential of heritage-led tourism and legacy enterprises in the 21st century. Participants stressed stronger collaboration among government, industry, heritage custodians and local communities to create sustainable models for conservation, adaptive reuse and economic growth.
