From Sherpur To Mumbai: Bharat Express CMD Upendrra Rai Shares His Remarkable Life Journey

Bharat Express Chairman, Managing Director (CMD) and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai shared his personal journey, life philosophy and views on merit and reservation at Kajri Mahotsav 2026 in Mumbai.

The event was jointly organised by Bharat Express News Channel and Bhumihar Jagran Manch at Sharada Gyanpeeth International School in Malad East.

Speaking as the chief guest, CMD Upendrra Rai recalled his journey from his ancestral village of Sherpur in Ghazipur to Mumbai, where he arrived alone in 1999. He remembered the challenges of his early years and how determination and hard work helped him build his career.

Recalling his first Mumbai home, Bharat Express CMD said that while working at Star News in 2003, he and four colleagues once slept on mattresses while wondering whether they would ever earn enough to buy a flat. He said he eventually purchased the same home within 10 months.

CMD Upendrra Rai recalled surviving a severe Mumbai flood with colleagues and their families.

Drawing on his childhood experience of swimming in the Ganga, Bharat Express CMD helped others reach safer locations. He spoke about witnessing difficult periods, including bomb blasts, but continuing to travel to work despite the fear.

On reservation, CMD Upendrra Rai said he had no objection to the system in other fields but argued that medical selection should be based solely on merit because doctors directly deal with human lives. He stressed that competence should remain the primary consideration in medical education and practice.

Bharat Express CMD rejected the view that the world has worsened, saying humanity has become more sensitive. He recalled his school prayer and stressed the importance of duties towards family, society and the nation.

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