PONDICHERRY, INDIA, June 4, 2003: A 20-year-old classical danseuse performed bharata natyam for 60 hours, qualifying her to seek an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. Sangeetha, a final-year student at the Bharathiyar Balakalaikoodam, completed the targeted task at 9:15 p.m. last night after she began her dance at 8:30 a.m. on June 1. Unlike an earlier national record, where two Andhra Pradesh girls entered the Limca Book of Records by performing bharata natyam and kuchipudi each (for 40 and 50 hours respectively) by taking a break for 15 minutes after every eight hours, Sangeetha, who hails from this town, took a brief rest (admissible as per Guinness Book norms) only after every ten hours. Pondicherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy attended the culmination of the taxing endeavor last night and presented her a cash award of US$533 on behalf of the Bharathiyar Balakalaikoodam. “Will power would help us achieve anything,” he told the audience.
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike