Urdu Represents Shared Heritage, Not A Single Faith, Says Bharat Express CMD Upendrra Rai

The Bharat Express Urdu Conclave, held at the India Islamic Culture Centre under the banner of ‘Bazm-e-Sahafat’, showcased the cultural and linguistic richness of Urdu within the framework of ‘New India’.

Upendrra Rai, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Express, addressed the gathering and reflected on his long-standing association with the language, Indian heritage and traditional knowledge systems.

CMD Rai recalled that during his tenure with Sahara News Network, which he joined in 2009, the organisation maintained a robust Urdu wing.

At that time, the group published Urdu newspapers from 11 cities and Hindi editions from seven others, alongside the operation of seven news channels, three entertainment channels and the large production unit, Sahara Motion Pictures.

He shared that while he learnt numerous Urdu words during those years, he could not fully master the art of writing the language.

‘Urdu Is a Symbol of Civilisational Legacy’

Delivering a clear message, CMD Upendrra Rai emphasised that Urdu’s roots extend far beyond any single faith, region or community. The language, he said, emerged through centuries of exchange among scholars, travellers and traders from around the world.

He described Urdu as a marker of ‘deep heritage and refined cultural values’, asserting that it represents a shared civilisation rather than a sectarian identity.

Indian Knowledge Traditions and Sanskrit’s Scientific Depth

Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Express Upendrra Rai discussed India’s ancient knowledge traditions and highlighted the scientific nature of the Sanskrit language, noting that experts widely regard it as one of the most precise languages used in advanced fields, including space science.

He celebrated India’s contribution to global learning through figures such as Ram, Krishna, Buddha, Ved Vyasa, Agastya and Vishwamitra, masters whose intellectual legacy, he said, remains unmatched even by developed nations today.

Ramanujan As A Beacon of Indian Genius

CMD Upendrra Rai urged young Indians to reconnect with their cultural roots and recognise the strength of their identity. Citing the example of renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, he said the West, too, ultimately bowed in acknowledgement of India’s prodigious talent.

He warned that if truth is not upheld in time, falsehood risks being accepted as reality.

A Gracious Conclusion to the Conclave

Concluding his address, CMD Rai thanked the dignitaries and participants present at the event. He expressed regret for any inadvertent errors and ended his speech with the patriotic salutation, ‘Jai Hind, Jai Bharat’.

Also Read: Urdu’s Sweetness Must Be Preserved, Says Union Minister Ramdas Athawale At Bharat Express Conclave