Upendrra Rai, CMD of Bharat Express News Network, Pays Tribute to Padmabhushan Gopal Das Neeraj, Recollects Last Meeting Memories

On the commemoration of the birth anniversary of the esteemed poet and lyricist Gopal Das Neeraj, a special program called ‘Nirantar Neeraj’ was held in Agra today. Upendrra Rai, the CMD of Bharat Express News Network, actively participated in this event, paying homage to the revered Gopal Das Neeraj and reminiscing about their final encounter.

Recalling their last meeting, Upendrra Rai shared, “It was during his final days… I was at our Noida campus when I was informed that Babuji (Gopal Das Neeraj) had arrived and was requesting to meet me. I saw him in a wheelchair, and he came over to meet us. That meeting became my last interaction with Neeraj Sahab, although our conversations had been extensive and profound.”

Rai recounted, “During his visit, I expressed my admiration for Acharya Rajneesh, whom I considered the most extraordinary figure of the 20th century. When I was eight years old, I encountered individuals visiting Acharya Rajneesh. By the time I was 9-10 years old, I had obtained one of Acharya Rajneesh’s books, ‘Revolution in Education,’ and upon reading it, I was convinced of his unmatched brilliance.”

Reflecting on the friendship between Gopal Das Neeraj and Acharya Rajneesh, Rai shared an anecdote, quoting Neeraj Sahab, “Our friendship blossomed in the 1970s. Once, during a visit to Pune, I inquired about Acharya Rajneesh’s vast knowledge, to which he casually responded, ‘I’ve read nearly two lakhs of complete books and about half a lakh of incomplete ones, summing up to nearly three lakhs.’ When asked about his reading speed, Acharya demonstrated by swiftly comprehending a book’s content from just a few glances at different sections.”

Gopal Das Neeraj, born on January 4, 1925, was honored today on his birth anniversary. Known as the ‘Prince of Songs,’ a grand event titled ‘Nirantar Neeraj’ commemorated his golden jubilee at Dr. MPS World School in Sikandra, Agra. Upendrra Rai, the Chairman, MD, and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express News Network graced the occasion as the chief guest, paying tribute to the illustrious Padma Bhushan awardee.

Neeraj’s life mirrored a melodious journey, resonating with the essence of a song. The Mahakavi Gopaldas Neeraj Foundation Trust and Ibadat Foundation organized the event, inviting renowned poets and singers from across the nation. The program delved into Gopaldas Neeraj’s poetic legacy, sharing anecdotes and memories associated with the revered poet. Neeraj’s songs possessed an enchanting quality, captivating audiences whenever performed. His life’s narrative echoed the cadence of a song, navigating through various highs and lows. Renowned for his contributions to Kavi Sammelans, his popularity transcended Mumbai’s film industry, where he crafted numerous exceptional songs for movies.