Over 15,000 sing ''Jana Gana Mana'' in unison; create world record

In a rousing display of patriotism and unity, over 15,000 people from the city today participated in a mass singing of national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', creating a world record in the process.

With a tally of 15,243, 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 5,800 individuals, the organisers said.

Andrea Banfi, Head of Adjudicators, Guinness World Records Ltd (GWR), who had flown in from London, handed over a certificate acknowledging the feat, to Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman of city-based Lokmat Media, Vijay Darda, who accepted it on behalf of the local citizens.

Lokmat Media had organised the event at a sports complex here in Central Maharashtra to commemorate the completion of 100 years of the national anthem.

Talking to news persons, Darda showered praises on the city residents for creating the record.

"Aurangabad has done the nation proud, and we are humbled to have helped in the process. This is our collective gift to  the nation on the eve of Republic Day. Aurangabad has put up a  truly splendid show of national solidarity and India's unity in diversity."

People came from all walks of life and far-flung areas of Aurangabad to take part in the event. The entire stadium, with an official capacity of 45,000, was jam-packed. Hence, the final GWR tally of 15,243 came as a surprise to everyone.

Banfi said, "We were not able to include all the people present at the packed stadium in the count, as it was physically impossible to court everyone.

"After the first singing, many people left. But, for us to do a proper count as per the GWR standards, we requested Lokmat Media to ask the people to assemble once again, in a particular order, and sing the anthem again. The figure of 15,243 is what we arrived at after the second singing," Banfi added.

Banfi, addressing the crowd, said, "You were amazing! You have been here since the early hours of the morning. Thank you for your patience!"

Leading the swelling crowd in the chorus on stage were Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Tushar, singers Shankar Mahadevan, Prashant Damle, Roopkumar and Sonali Rathod, Vaishali Samant, Swapnil Bandodkar, Pramod Sarkate, and Smita (widow of 26/11 martyr-police officer Vijay Salaskar).

Mahadevan said "Our national anthem is a wonderfully inspiring composition and is part of everyone's psyche."

Roopkumar Rathod said, "The national anthem is truely inspiring to all Indians and brings them together. We feel privileged to have been able to celebrate the spirit of Jana Gana Mana with thousands of people."

Tushar Gandhi noted, "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 by Rabindranath Tagore."

Damle, Marathi actor and singer said, "It is moving to see the surge of patriotic sentiment at the grassroots, as witnessed here in Aurangabad."

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

Samant said, "It has been a great experience to mingle with thousands of people on this momentous occasion."

'Jana Gana Mana' was first sung at the Calcutta session of Indian National Congress on December 27, 1911.

It was declared the National Anthem by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950.