During the celebration of the birth anniversary of the esteemed poet Gopal Das Neeraj, an event named ‘Nirantar Neeraj’ took place in Agra today. Upendrra Rai, the Chairman, MD, and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express News Network, graced the occasion as the chief guest, paying homage to the legendary poet. Rai fondly shared poignant memories of his deep and extensive conversations with Neeraj, particularly recalling their final meeting when the poet expressed the urgency to meet, making it their last encounter, yet the discussions remained profound and enduring.
Rai reflected on a conversation with Neeraj about Acharya Rajneesh, stating, “When I expressed admiration for Acharya Rajneesh, Neeraj Saheb recounted their friendship, which began in the 1970s. Neeraj narrated an incident where Rajneesh demonstrated his remarkable speed-reading skills by examining books swiftly and even reciting paragraphs from various pages upon request.”
Gopal Das Neeraj, often referred to as the ‘prince of songs’, was born on January 4, 1925. The ‘Nirantar Neeraj’ event, held on his birth anniversary, was organized by the Mahakavi Gopaldas Neeraj Foundation Trust and Ibadat Foundation. Eminent poets and singers from across the nation graced the occasion, sharing Neeraj’s poetry, biography, and memorable anecdotes. Known for enchanting audiences with his songs, Neeraj’s life was akin to a melodious journey, witnessing numerous highs and lows. His participation in prestigious Kavi Sammelans extended his reach to Mumbai, where he penned several remarkable songs for films, showcasing his versatility in the world of literature and music.
