By Mewati Sitaram
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, a distinguished IAS officer from the 1995 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, currently serves as the Principal Secretary for the Tourism and Culture Department and Director General of UP Tourism. Known for his visionary leadership, he is leading efforts to establish Uttar Pradesh as a premier global tourism destination. As the driving force behind Mahakumbh 2025, he aims to create a transformative experience for pilgrims and visitors by blending tradition with modern technology and sustainable practices. With the Mahakumbh being one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, is now set to position Uttar Pradesh as a beacon for global tourism.
The Mahakumbh Mela 2025, held in Prayagraj—recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017—marks a pivotal moment for UP Tourism. This sacred event is expected to attract over 40 crore people. Held every 12 years, the Mahakumbh draws Hindus seeking spiritual purification through a ritual bath at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers at the Sangam.
UP Tourism, under Meshram’s leadership, is committed to making Mahakumbh 2025 not only a spiritual event but also a global showcase of India’s rich cultural heritage. The focus is on highlighting the spiritual, historical, and artistic significance of the festival, positioning it as a key driver of religious tourism. He has facilitated inter-departmental collaboration, working closely with the Ministry of Culture to curate cultural programs like classical music, dance performances, and art exhibitions. These initiatives will also promote local crafts and cuisine, providing visitors with an immersive experience of Uttar Pradesh’s cultural richness.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram’s “Development with Heritage” vision focuses on balancing cultural preservation with economic growth, aligning with UP’s goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2027. Central to this is sustainable tourism, including infrastructure upgrades and the restoration of temples and ghats in Prayagraj. The Heritage Conclave in Lucknow brought stakeholders together to preserve heritage sites as key tourist attractions. A highlight is the “Digital Mahakumbh Experience,” which uses VR and digital projections to immerse visitors in Mahakumbh rituals, Prayagraj’s history, and interactions with saints through holograms, bridging tradition with modernity. Meshram’s broader vision also includes strengthening transportation and developing curated cultural circuits, ensuring Mahakumbh 2025 drives long-term tourism growth and secures Uttar Pradesh’s cultural heritage as a global tourism hub.
About Mukesh Kumar Meshram IAS
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, originally from the densely covered forest village of Bori in Madhya Pradesh. He was raised with strong values of hard work and dedication by his school teacher father. With over 26 years of service in UP’s administration, he has built a reputation for integrity, exceptional leadership, and commitment to public service. He holds a Master of Architecture from IIT Roorkee and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Birmingham, UK.
Throughout his distinguished career, Meshram has held several key positions, including District Magistrate and Collector in various districts such as Kanpur, Agra, Meerut, Mau, Unnao, Banda, and Azamgarh. He also served as Divisional Commissioner of Lucknow and Prayagraj, Secretary for Medical Education, Technical Education, and Ayush departments, Commissioner of Commercial Tax, Managing Director of UPSRTC, Vice Chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), and Mission Director of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
