CHENNAI: The Limca Book of Records launched its 28th edition with Hachette India at Higginbotthams a few days ago. From publishing special editions, including the famous 60 years of Independence edition to the specially-abled edition in 2016, the record book has consistently featured people who have contributed to India’s excellence.
Thomas Abraham, MD, Hachette India, who was part of the launch and incidentally the assistant editor of the first edition of the record book, says, “It’s an interesting coincidence that my first job was at the Parle group.”
Recalling the conversation that led to the ideation of the second book of records in the world (after Guinness Book of World Records), he narrates, “Ramesh Chauhan published the first edition in 1990 and, three years later, he sold it to Coca Cola. But the idea was formed in 1986, when Ramesh and Suhail Chawla were chatting about the longest rail route in the country. Suhail said, ‘Why do we not have records for such things in the country? We should have a record book’. And Ramesh immediately agreed. “I’m so proud that my name is in the first edition of the book,” he says.
Talking to CE, T Krishnakumar, president, Coca Cola India and Southwest Asia, says, “Before I took this job up, I had the chance of meeting Ramesh and I remember he said: ‘In India, we don’t celebrate some of the outstanding and alternative achievements of people. And we glorify these achievements making people celebrate what they are good at, rather than converging what the world at the moment is used to’.”
The advantage of the book, he points out, is that it also circulates to a larger audience. “People get their biggest break after being featured in this book and that’s amazing for anyone who wants to shine in their area of expertise,” he shares.
From amusing and thrilling to innovative and inspiring records, the book features them all. The 28th edition, quite literally, is as flashy as it can get! A metallic cover, interesting and reader-friendly infographics and charts, targets new-gen readers. “The book focuses on achievements and is a 360-degree knowledge affair,” he adds. The book also features three winners from Chennai Krishnakumar says chapters of the book will be made available in digital formats too. “We are also planning to digitise the whole book and release the content regularly instead of its current analog format,” he adds.
TS Sathish
Record for 142 knuckle push-ups in one minute
“I am a karate black belt and a martial arts enthusiast. I trained hard, and did this in 2016. To do push-ups with just knuckles takes a lot of practice and persistence. It’s gratifying to be part of the Limca Book of Records.”
Vijay Boddupalli
Record in reverse running and completing 21 half-marathons
This endurance sport enthusiast (cycling and running) set his first record in 2017 by running 21 half marathons for 21 consecutive days. “I was playing cricket for 20 years but couldn’t pursue it after an injury. Then I started long-distance running and cycling. As a cricketer, I was trained in reverse running. I promoted ‘Run Bhopal Run’ through reverse marathon. It’s amazing to get featured in the book. It encourages more youngsters to do such things.”
V Jayakumar
Record for fastest set of 108 sun salutations (Surya Namaskar)
As an aircraft maintenance engineer, Jayakumar’s work schedule is decided by flight timings, thus making his schedule erratic and one that naturally takes a toll on his health. “I was struggling with sleep issues, back pain and other health ailments. So, I began practising yoga and it changed my life completely. I used to regularly practice Surya Namaskar but never clocked the time. When I did, I was surprised to know that I did it in a short span. I practised to reduce the time and then applied for the record. When I did, I completed 108 sets in 12 minutes 49 seconds!”