TOI Uttarakhand Transformation Dialogue 2026
New Delhi: The Times of India flagship Uttarakhand Transformation Dialogue 2026 brought together policymakers, academics and industry leaders in Dehradun on Friday to focus on the next phase of growth in the state.Key sessions included a fireside chat moderated by scientist and author Anand Ranganathan, who spoke on “Digital Education, Governance and Public Reason.” The conference explored how digital platforms, education and governance shape public discourse and policy outcomes.The larger event, organized by The Times of India, aims to build collaboration between government, industry and civil society.
Public reasoning increases in the digital age
At the beginning of the discussion, the moderator asked society whether the scope of public reasoning has expanded or contracted in the digital age.Ranganathan’s answer was clear.“It’s definitely increased. There’s no two ways about it,” he said.Looking back to the 1970s and 1980s, he noted that previous generations had very limited ways of responding to ideas published in newspapers or broadcast on radio and television.“If we don’t like it, the only option is to roll up the newspaper and throw it against the wall. On rare occasions, you write a letter to the editor. I once published a letter,” he said, adding that there was a sense of frustration in not being heard.In contrast, he described today’s environment as a “sufficiency problem” where people have multiple platforms to express their views. He acknowledged that extreme behavior can be destructive, but said he preferred a noisy democracy to forced silence.
Label Ideology and the struggle between left and right
The conversation then turns to whether society has become too opinionated, forming opinions in the face of facts.Ranganathan believes that political labels are often imposed rather than clearly defined. He said that in the Indian context, Western definitions of left and right did not fully apply.“In India, one can perhaps define the left, but it is difficult to define the right. In fact, in many areas, I think the BJP is a left-wing party, and economically it is certainly left-wing,” he said.He added that labels can sometimes simplify arguments by giving people a sense of belonging to an ideological group. “It’s convenient,” he said, noting that he has learned to accept the labels “in the right spirit.”
Popularity and truth in public discourse
Asked whether he faced pressure to take popular rather than factual positions, Ranganathan said he had relied on the scientific method since he began writing and appearing in public debates in 2008.“I always look at everything through a scientific lens. If you do that, you can never go wrong,” he said.He acknowledged that public reaction often fluctuates. “People like me when I say something that fits their ideas. The next day, they laugh at me because I said something they didn’t agree with. That happens almost every day.”
On corruption and selective narratives
Addressing the controversy surrounding textbook references to judicial corruption, Ranganathan argued that institutions should not be exempt from scrutiny.“Is there corruption in the judiciary? That is not what I am saying, former chief justices have admitted it,” he said, adding that if students were educated about the institution, they should know the “whole picture”.However, he warned against selective criticism. “If you talk about corruption, talk about it everywhere. Don’t be selective,” he said, noting that corruption is discussed in politics, science, medicine and sports.He also criticized the media’s tendency to portray current problems as unprecedented.“Science teaches you to ask, has this happened before? Look at the data before drawing conclusions,” he said, urging comparisons across states and over time before assigning blame.
Digital media, misinformation and bias
On the role of digital media in spreading information and misinformation, Ranganathan said it was unrealistic to completely eradicate misinformation.“You can’t completely eliminate misinformation. It happens naturally,” he said.He believes exposure to different perspectives is the best corrective action. He cited the example of children of civil servants who move across state lines and encounter different narratives, a mobility that often leaves them with a more balanced understanding.“The only way to avoid bias is to understand the other person’s point of view. Always read two newspapers,” he advises.He called disagreement healthy. “You and I agree on some issues but disagree on others. I think it’s diversity, not difference. Listeners benefit by hearing both sides. That’s the democratization that digital media gives us.”
Uttarakhand growth and structural challenges
Ranganathan raised a series of achievements and concerns specifically about Uttarakhand.The state’s GDP per capita is about $1,000 higher than the national average, he said. Welfare schemes including toilets, bank accounts, water connections and Ayushman cards have reached nearly 100 per cent of the target population.However, he stressed that long-term planning is crucial. “This is a great opportunity to develop a road map, not for five years as governments change, but for 15 to 20 years,” he said.He highlighted what he called the “adequacy issue” and pointed out that while Uttarakhand has a population of about 1 million, the number of tourists is about 6.5 million.“Everything has a flip side,” he said.He pointed out that 80% of the country’s land still relies on agriculture, but about 28% of arable land has been lost in the past 15 years, mainly due to construction, urbanization and tourism. The supply of agricultural products fell by about 15%.“You have a situation where an industry is doing very well but has to maintain structural balance,” he warned.
Digital governance and the role of critics
When it comes to governance, Ranganathan points out that simply providing digital information is not enough.“You can provide all the digital information you want. But digital information is not interactive. You tend to choose solutions from those who praise you. Critics are often pushed aside,” he said, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue.The Uttarakhand Transformation Dialogue also held meetings with various eminent personalities focusing on culture, gender and tradition as drivers of growth.
