3,066 parents create world record in storytelling at Pune reading event; PM lauds effort
Pune, Dec 15: Displaying commendable literary zest, more than 3,000 parents read out stories to their children simultaneously during an event at a sprawling ground in Pune, a milestone which found a place in the Guinness World Records, said organisers on Friday.
Another Guinness World Records feat was achieved when 7,500 books were used to write 'Bharat' on the Fergusson College ground here. The previous record was in the name of Saudi Arabia.
A total of 3,250 parents and their children came to participate in the reading activity held at the SP College ground in the heart of the city on Thursday, said a top functionary of the National Book Trust (NBT), an autonomous body under the Union education ministry which organised the mega event in association with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
"Out of them, a record 3,066 parents successfully read out the stories to their children simultaneously," said Milind Marathe, chairperson, NBT.
The four-minute reading activity broke the previous world record set by China, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the effort to promote reading culture. Sharing a post on X by the education body about the event, Modi said, "Commendable effort to spread the joys of reading. Compliments to those involved."
"The mass story telling activity was organised to promote reading culture among all ages. The previous record of simultaneous story telling was held by China and the aim was to break the record," said Marathe.
He said it was a four-minute reading activity and the entire exercise was videographed.
Adjudicators from the Guinness World Records recorded the activity on camera and announced that 3,066 parents read out the stories to their kids simultaneously for four minutes, said the NBT chairperson.
The event was a precursor to the Pune Book Festival, scheduled to be held from December 16 to 24 on the premises of Fergusson College.
Thousands of books in English and 10 regional languages will be on display and available for sale at the nine-day festival organised by the NBT in collaboration with the Pune civic body, coordinator for the event Rajesh Pande said.
Storytelling sessions, plays, musical events, other cultural and literary events will be organised during the festival, Pande informed.
Commendable effort to spread the joys of reading. Compliments to those involved. https://t.co/6k754cegyv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2023
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Mangaluru positioned as Emerging Growth Hub at Vertex CXO Conclave 2026
Mangaluru: The Vertex CXO Conclave 2026, organised by Vertex Workspaces, was held at the Dr. TMA Pai International Convention Centre, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and senior executives to deliberate on opportunities for business expansion beyond Bengaluru, with a focus on establishing Mangaluru as a viable centre for enterprise and technology-led growth.
Senior officials from the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) and the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) presented policy frameworks aimed at promoting investment in non-metropolitan regions. Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, IAS, Managing Director of KITS, along with Samir Venugopal, Bharath Chandra B. K., and Vaishak Pai from KDEM, outlined incentives pertaining to infrastructure development, talent advancement and regulatory facilitation to encourage companies to expand beyond established urban centres.
Vinayak Palanakar, Chief Marketing Officer of Vertex Workspaces, stated that the organisation seeks to evolve beyond its role as a workspace provider by fostering an enabling ecosystem for business growth. He emphasised the importance of integrating policy support, talent availability and industry collaboration, and noted that the company aims to assist enterprises operating within its ecosystem in accessing government incentives while addressing key challenges such as recruitment and talent acquisition.
Speakers at the conclave highlighted Mangaluru’s strengths, including a strong educational base, improving infrastructure and an expanding presence of information technology firms and Global Capability Centres. At the same time, they underscored the need to address challenges relating to talent retention, ecosystem maturity and enhanced industry collaboration.
Kamal Karanth, co-founder of Xpheno, observed that while the Mangaluru–Udupi region has a consistent supply of entry- and mid-level talent, there remains a gap in the availability of senior-level professionals. He stressed the importance of structured hiring strategies and strengthening local ecosystems to mitigate workforce migration to larger urban centres.
Deliberations also indicated that although awareness regarding government incentives is increasing, there remains a need for greater clarity in processes and implementation mechanisms to enable effective utilisation. Vertex Workspaces reiterated its commitment to facilitating access to such frameworks and supporting businesses in connecting with appropriate talent networks.
A memorandum of understanding was signed on the occasion to enhance collaboration among stakeholders and support business expansion in the region.
In his concluding remarks, Gurudatta Shenoy, Managing Partner of Vertex Workspaces, stated that the initiative would extend beyond the conclave through continued leadership engagements, hiring platforms and policy-oriented initiatives aimed at supporting enterprises in emerging markets.
The event also featured Vertex Ashoka, an infrastructure initiative designed to support enterprise and Global Capability Centre operations, further reinforcing Mangaluru’s growing profile as a business destination.
