| Staff REPORTER |
AHMEDABAD, Sep 9: From a greenfield smart city and semiconductor manufacturing to broadcast journalism, humanoid robotics and cutting-edge genetic research, Tuesday offered the nine-member media delegation from Arunachal Pradesh a fascinating glimpse into Gujarat’s technology-driven development and innovation landscape.
As part of their seven-day exposure visit to Gujarat, the delegation travelled across the State to explore emerging projects and institutions and understand how technology, infrastructure, industry and scientific research are shaping new possibilities for the future.
The day began at Dholera, where the visiting journalists were introduced to the vision, planning and infrastructure behind the Dholera Greenfield Smart City. They were briefed on its integrated infrastructure, technological foundations and the scale of development underway.
The visit offered the delegation an insight into Dholera’s evolution as a modern industrial city, with ambitions of emerging as a major investment and manufacturing hub.
The journalists also viewed from outside the ongoing semiconductor project at Dholera and received a briefing on the scale and significance of semiconductor manufacturing. They were introduced to the sophisticated technological, industrial and infrastructure requirements involved in building a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India.
The delegation then visited GTPL News Channel, where they interacted with Editor-in-Chief Devang Bhatt and other media professionals. The interaction covered contemporary journalism, newsroom practices and the rapidly changing media landscape, with discussions on the challenges and opportunities confronting news organisations in the digital era.
The visiting journalists were also taken through the newsroom and television studios, gaining an inside view of the functioning of a modern broadcast operation.
Technology took a more interactive turn with an encounter with Alex, the humanoid robot. The journalists interacted with Alex and explored its capabilities, offering an engaging introduction to the possibilities of artificial intelligence, robotics and human-machine interaction.
The day concluded at the Institute of Human Genetics, where Dr Harsh Seth introduced the delegation to the world of genetics and medical research.
Explaining complex scientific concepts in accessible terms, Dr Seth spoke about Lynch Syndrome, its implications and the importance of early detection, genetic awareness and preventive healthcare.
He also explained his research work and the role of biological samples in genetic studies.
During their visit to the research facilities and laboratory, the journalists observed the infrastructure and processes involved in genetic research, including the handling and study of DNA samples.
An extensive question-and-answer session followed, with the journalists seeking insights into cancer detection, genetic risk factors, preventive healthcare and treatment options.
The delegation expressed interest in taking greater awareness of cancer prevention and genetic health to communities in Arunachal Pradesh and requested Dr Seth to consider visiting the State to conduct awareness programmes.
From smart cities and semiconductors to journalism, humanoid robotics and genetic research, Tuesday became a journey across multiple dimensions of a technology-driven future.
For the Arunachal media delegation, the day was not merely about witnessing futuristic projects—it was an opportunity to understand how science, innovation, infrastructure and human ingenuity are coming together to shape the India of tomorrow.