Setting a record for records?

HYDERABAD: Of late, the city has been witnessing several record-breaking feats by youngsters. Mangi Kishore Kumar, an under-graduate from Ziaguda, sought to enter the Limca Book of World Records by pulling a truck weighing 6,800 tonnes with his ears for up to a distance of 5.2 metres! Similarly, Mohammed Khursheed Hussain typed all the 26 alphabets in just four seconds! Believe it or not, last year alone, about 60 such ambitious men from the twin cities either booked or tried to book a berth in the India Book of Records! That in itself could be a record of sorts.So, what drives these men to do the unthinkable? “It’s all about proving to the world what you are capable of. I have always looked up to Sir and wanted to fulfil his dream of breaking into the Guinness Records!,” explains Kishore Kumar. And the record does give a dizzying feeling. “It feels nice when people recognise you for your efforts,” he adds modestly.Khursheed agrees with him. “Once you have made a mark, people and the society at large recognises you which creates a positive atmosphere. The positive vibes drive you to achieve much more,” he points out. Kondaveeti Murali, another record aspirant, claims to have been recognised as the first internet television journalist in the world. He too echoes the same views of recognition. “According to me physical activities and stints are worthy of recognition, but are not of any use to the world. With what I am trying to do, I want to inspire the next generation to work for the benefit of mankind,” he says.It’s all well if one does it of his own free will. But the record pressure seems to be extending to the kids too. The daughter of Murali’s friend, who is all of 12 years old, is gearing up to set her own record. A graphologist at 12, she teaches the art to many students on Worldline.tv. She can analyse one’s personality traits just by glancing at the signature. She is looking forward to teach at a stretch for 24 hours on graphology and thereby, set a new record.Isn’t this a bit too much for a 12-year-old? Murali replies, “Age is never a bar. I think one should dare and try different things, but also make sure that one does not go to extremes. There should always be regulations.”A record holder, Dr Chintapatla Venkatachary, who has eight world records for the invention of a script, Lipi, puts this craze for records in perspective. “It is always nice to be recognised, but one should always take advice on the kind of records that can be attempted. One should take safety measures and also not stretch their abilities to the extremes.”