India's PM Narendra Modi sees three records broken at birthday event

By Rachel Swatman

Published 19 September 2016

In celebration of the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi’s 66th birthday on Saturday, three Guinness World Records titles were successfully attempted in Navsari, Gujarat.

The record attempts took place during an event for ‘divyangs’ - differently-abled people – and was organised by the Department of Empowerment of Disabled, Government of India and ALIMCO as part of the government’s ongoing ‘Accessible India’ initiative.

On Friday, an incredible 989 disabled people, whose ages ranged from young to old, came together to set an all-new record for the Most oil lamps lit simultaneously (single venue) - almost doubling the minimum of 500 participants they needed in order to achieve the title.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Rishi Nath was on hand to officiate the attempt and ensure that everyone lit their lamp within the 30 seconds allowed.

Very inspiring! https://t.co/waTcFervrE
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2016

The following day, with Prime Minister Modi in attendance, guests at the event broke the record for the Largest wheelchair logo/image - 1,000 participants in wheelchairs depicted a message saying ‘Happy Birthday PM’ by wearing orange, white or blue hats and blankets.

They significantly bettered the previous record of 346 participants that was achieved by Hope Inc. in Moorhead, Minnesota, USA, documented on the show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in 2010.

Official Guinness World Records adjudicator Alan Pixsley flew out from London especially to judge at the event in India.

India has set a new record of the largest wheelchair logo: Alan Pixsley, @GWR officials#DivyangMegaCamp @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/82OWndqUPP
— Disability Affairs (@socialpwds) September 17, 2016

A record for the Most people fitted with hearing aids in 8 hours was also set as 600 people with hearing impairments were given the amplification devices.

Free assistive devices kits were handed out to thousands of people throughout the weekend, in addition to the hearing aids distributed during the record attempt.

PM Narendra Modi spoke to the guests at his birthday event to congratulate the many new record holders, talk about the 'Accessible India' scheme, and applaud his country’s Paralympic athletes that have been competing at Rio 2016.