Photo- Bharat Express CMD Upendra Rai, Director Radheshyam Rai and UP government minister Ravindra Jaiswal
Kashi Ka Kayakalp MEGA CONCLAVE: The ‘Kashi Ka Kayakalp’ conclave, organized by Bharat Express News Channel, took place today in Kashi. Bharat Express Chairman, CMD, and Editor-in-Chief Upendra Rai inaugurated the event at Hotel Ramada in Banaras Cantt on Friday morning. He emphasized the glorious history and the ‘rejuvenation’ of Kashi.
On stage, Upendra Rai, along with Bharat Express Group Managing Editor Radheshyam Rai and Uttar Pradesh Government Minister Ravindra Jaiswal, inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp.
Kashi’s Growing Popularity
CMD Upendra Rai stated, “Banaras is now progressing continuously. After becoming PM Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency, the number of tourists in Banaras has rapidly increased. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was built here. In 2022, over 7 crore people visited Baba Vishwanath, and this number may rise further.”
Kashi’s Ancient History
He elaborated, “The written history of Banaras is 3,000 years old. However, the Mahabharata reveals that Pitamah Bhishma came to Kashi from Hastinapur 5,500 years ago. He participated in the Swayamvar for the daughters of the Kashi king—Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika.”
Upendra Rai added, “We have a written history of Kashi for 5,500 years. When discussing Sanatan Dharma, evidence shows it is 11,000 years old, making it the oldest faith globally.” He highlighted that other religions like Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism emerged much later.
Salvation Beyond Heaven and Hell
CMD Upendra Rai explained, “While other faiths may stop at heaven and hell, Sanatan Dharma offers salvation. Kashi is known as the entry point of the earth.” He concluded, “Once someone settles in Kashi and reads the conversations between Lord Shiva and Parvati, they never leave. Kashi offers ‘moksha,’ liberating the soul from all bondage.”
