Bharat Express CMD and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai described the current phase of India’s cultural awakening as a ‘golden era’ while speaking at Badariya 2026 in Delhi.
Addressing the inauguration of Badariya: A Monsoon Farewell Festival 2026 at Talkatora Stadium, CMD Upendrra Rai drew from India’s ancient knowledge traditions and recalled the contributions of Adi Shankaracharya and Takshashila.
CMD Upendrra Rai recalled how fires destroyed manuscripts at the library of Takshashila. India’s sages, however, continued to preserve and rebuild the country’s intellectual and cultural traditions.
Bharat Express CMD said the destruction of physical texts could not erase India’s collective consciousness or its pursuit of knowledge. He further noted that Adi Shankaracharya travelled across the four corners of the country around 3,000 years ago and helped revive the Vedas, Puranas, arts, culture and sacred mantras.
CMD Upendrra Rai said India had endured centuries of foreign invasions but retained its cultural and spiritual identity.
Bharat Express CMD stressed that India’s strength lies in its knowledge traditions, spiritual values and Sanatan consciousness. He said physical structures could be destroyed, but knowledge and values embedded in society and folk traditions could endure across generations.
CMD Upendrra Rai said Badariya could help connect this cultural heritage with younger audiences.
The festival, organised by the Mata Chakeri Devi Foundation and Delhi Government’s Maithili-Bhojpuri Academy, featured performances by Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, Priya Mallik, Chandan Tiwari, Rishi Singh, Samriddh Pathak and Satvik Pathak.
Badariya entered its second year after making its debut at Connaught Place on September 1, 2025.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Cultural Minister Kapil Mishra attended the 2026 edition.
Under CMD Upendrra Rai’s guidance, the festival has expanded into a national cultural celebration showcasing India’s monsoon and folk traditions.
Also Read: Badariya 2026: CMD Upendrra Rai Says Culture Keeps Humanity And Compassion Alive
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