When it comes to world records, we often hear of cricketing giants, Bollywood stardom, or space milestones. But India is also home to a fascinating collection of unsung heroes who have etched their names into the Guinness World Records for reasons that are as extraordinary as they are unknown. From balancing motorcycles on heads to collecting the most toothpaste tubes—these Indian record-holders are a testament to creativity, passion, and the boundless Indian spirit. Here’s a deep dive into some astonishing world records held by Indians that you probably never heard of—until now.
- The Man with the Most Teeth in the World
World Record Holder: Vijay Kumar V.A., from Bangalore
Record: Most teeth in a human mouth – 37 teeth
Source: The Hindu, 2022
While the average human adult has 32 teeth, Vijay Kumar V.A. defied dental norms. Discovered during a routine dental visit, his extra five teeth earned him a place in the Guinness World Records. Despite being an unusual medical condition called hyperdontia, Vijay’s dental anomaly never caused him pain. His record not only stunned medical experts but also brought attention to rare dental conditions.
- The Longest Turban in the World
World Record Holder: Avtar Singh Mauni from Patiala, Punjab
Record: Longest turban – 645 meters (2,115 feet)
Source: Times of India, 2019
A Sikh priest by profession, Avtar Singh Mauni’s dedication to his religious identity is legendary. Weighing over 45 kilograms, his turban takes nearly six hours to tie. Despite being bulky and cumbersome, Avtar wears it regularly to religious gatherings. His dedication not only earned him a place in the Guinness Book but also global admiration from Sikh communities worldwide.
- The Woman Who Collected 16,000+ Toothpaste Tubes
World Record Holder: Dr. Valentina Lall from Bengaluru
Record: Largest collection of toothpaste tubes – 16,914 from 160 countries
Source: Deccan Chronicle, 2020
What started as a quirky hobby turned into a world record for Dr. Valentina, a dentist by profession. Her collection includes everything from herbal to gold-infused toothpastes. She has spent over two decades collecting tubes from global travels and dental conferences. Her dedication highlights how passion can turn even the most mundane object into a world-class collection.
- The Human Calculator
World Record Holder: Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash from Hyderabad
Record: Fastest human calculator
Source: Indian Express, 2020
Dubbed the “Usain Bolt of Mathematics,” Bhanu Prakash stunned the world by breaking the record for the fastest mental arithmetic at the Mind Sports Olympiad in London. A childhood brain injury led to long hospitalizations, during which he trained his mind through math problems. His success story is a perfect blend of resilience and intellect, earning him not just awards but global speaking opportunities.
- The Most Hugs in One Hour
World Record Holder: Krishna Kumar from Kerala
Record: Most hugs in one hour by an individual – 2,436 hugs
Source: The Hindu, 2018
In a world often starved for affection, Krishna Kumar’s attempt was not just about numbers but about spreading positivity. Conducted at a school charity event, his effort brought attention to mental health and the power of human connection. With a warm smile and incredible energy, he hugged students, teachers, and parents in a relentless, record-breaking spree of goodwill.
- The Largest Biryani Serving
World Record Holder: Indian Chef Kunal Kapur and his team
Record: Largest serving of biryani – 13,000 kilograms
Source: Hindustan Times, 2021
Organized in Delhi, this mega biryani cook-off wasn’t just about the record—it fed over 10,000 underprivileged people. Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur led a team of over 200 cooks. The record highlighted not only India’s culinary richness but also the culture of community service. It was an initiative that combined gastronomy with giving, earning global praise.
- The Man Who Painted with Both Hands—Simultaneously
World Record Holder: Vinod Kumar from Delhi
Record: Fastest ambidextrous painter
Source: The Tribune, 2017
Vinod Kumar’s talent is not just unusual—it’s artistic genius. He can paint two portraits at once, one with each hand, often completing stunning works in under five minutes. A self-taught artist, Vinod uses his talent to promote awareness for social causes such as education and environmental sustainability. His live shows have drawn crowds across India, and his work has been appreciated by several national art forums.
- Longest Yoga Marathon by a Team
World Record Holder: Namo Gange Trust, Haridwar
Record: Longest yoga marathon – 35 hours nonstop
Source: The Times of India, 2022
In an effort to promote yoga and mental well-being, over 150 participants gathered in Haridwar to create this record. This initiative was supported by the Ministry of AYUSH and was part of a broader campaign to globalize yoga. Participants ranged from teenagers to septuagenarians, all aligned in breath and spirit for a record rooted in tradition.
Conclusion: A Celebration of the Uncelebrated
These stories may not make daily headlines, but they reflect the extraordinary within the ordinary. Each of these individuals and groups pursued their unique passions or responded to life’s challenges with grit and imagination. In doing so, they not only made history but also redefined what achievement means in the Indian context.
Their names may not echo through stadiums or political halls, but their legacy lies in showing that world records aren’t just for the famous—they’re for the fearless. And sometimes, the most inspiring stories are the ones we’ve never heard of.
