Lokmat's Aurangabad initiative puts India into Guinness Book

In a rousing display of patriotism and unity, the voices of thousands of Aurangabadkars, singing Jana Gana Mana in full-throated fervour, created history this morning. With a tally of 15243, they took India into the Guinness Book of World Records for "the most people singing a national anthem simultaneously', erasing the previous record held by Pakistan for 5800 individuals.

Andrea Banfi, Head of Adjudicators, Guinness World Records, who was flown in from London, handed over the certificate to Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman of Lokmat Media Limited, Vijay Babu Darda, who accepted it on behalf of each and every Aurangabadkar who had created the world record for India.

Other Guinness World Records Limited officials present on the occasion were Lucia Sinigagliesi, Adjudications Manager, and Nikhil Shukla, Adjudicator ' India.

"Our National Anthem is a wonderfully inspiring composition, and is a part of everyone's psyche," Shankar Madhavan said, adding, "I am truly excited to have been a small part of this gigantic experience."

Roopkumar Rathod said, "The National Anthem is greatly inspiring to all Indians from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean and from Gujarat to Assam. It truly brings all Indians together as it has done in Aurangabad today. Sonali and I feel privileged to have been able to celebrate the spirit of Jana Gana Mana with thousands of Aurangabadkars."

Tushar Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi said: "I am very happy to be among the enthusiastic people of Aurangabad who have given such a wonderful response to this initiative by the Lokmat group. It reinforces the magic of those 55 words written a hundred years ago by Rabindranath Tagore."

Prashant Damle, actor and singer said: "It is moving to see the surge of patriotic sentiment at the grassroots, as I have witnessed here in Aurangabad. My salute to the indomitable spirit of the Aurangabadkars!"

Swapnil Bandodkar said, "Jana Gana Mana is a source of inspiration by its lyrics as well as by its notes to singers and soldiers alike. I am excited and humbled by this experience."

Singer Vaishali Samant said, "It has been a great experience to mingle with thousands of Aurangabadkars on this momentous occasion. I am happy to have paid my tribute to the Nation by singing with one and all."

The Fictitious Group, winners of talent reality show India's Got Talent mesmerised one and all with their power packed acrobatic dance routines. Vernon from Fictitious said, "It's exciting to dance in the service of our Nation! We salute those who laid down their lives for the country."

Smita Salaskar, widow of Vijay Salaskar who laid down his life defending his countrymen on 26 Nov 2008, said, "I am overwhelmed by the patriotism of the people in Aurangabad." She urged the young students to study hard and serve with the defence forces, which need good officers.

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