Latest news with #GoldenBookofWorldRecords
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- The Hindu
Age-old Jain practice of Santhara
A little before 9.30 p.m. on March 21, Piyush Jain, 35, and his wife Varsha Jain, 32, accompanied by some family members, arrived at a compact apartment in Indore's Usha Nagar with their three-year-old daughter, Viyana. The child, whom they carried in their arms, was diagnosed with brain tumour about three months earlier. She was allegedly barely conscious. The parents knocked on the door of Rajesh Muni Maharaj, a Jain monk of the white-clad Shwetambar sect. Madhya Pradesh has the third-largest population of Jains in India, as per the 2011 Census. The monk, who says he was undertaking a religious 'jaap (recital of mantras)' at the time, advised the IT professional couple to initiate Santhara for their daughter. Under the age-old practice in Jainism, a person makes a vow to give up food, water, medicines, and other worldly possessions, and observes a fast unto death, while chanting religious verses. Rajesh Muni says Piyush and Varsha agreed to the process, which began at 9.45 p.m. He offered them religious guidance for about 10 minutes, while his associate, Rajendra Muni Maharaj, wrapped Viyana in a white sheet and placed a white mask on her mouth. At 9.55 p.m., the monk says he asked the child to take 'Pachchhakhan (a vow in Jainism to restrict certain actions and control desire)'. 'I said, 'Beta, bhagwan ke paas jana hai (Child, you must go to god)'.' Rajesh Muni recalls that Viyana, whom he claims was aware of Pachchhakhan through the religious teachings she had been getting from him and her family, slowly folded her hands and accepted the vow. In 10 minutes, she took her last breath with three hiccups, he says. However, Viyana's death only caught media attention in May after her parents received a certificate from the Golden Book of World Records, a U.S.-based organisation. The 'record' declared the child as the 'youngest to vow the Jain ritual Santhara'. The couple and the monks also received felicitations from various Jain community bodies in Indore. As the news of the death and the 'certification' spread, questions were raised about the practice. Pranshu Jain, a 23-year-old social activist from Indore, approached the local Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 9 seeking a ban on Santhara for children and people with mental illness. The petition also demanded legal action against those performing the ritual on both these categories of people. The Union and the State governments, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Madhya Pradesh police, and the Indore Collectorate are among the respondents in the case. On June 16, the High Court directed the petitioner to include the girl's parents as respondents too. The matter is now listed for July 8. The petition claims that an individual's consent is necessary to perform Santhara on them, which is difficult in the case of children. 'Rituals like Santhara can be misused by people to 'get rid' of relatives with serious health issues or mental illness, even if that person is not a minor,' says Shubham Sharma, the lawyer representing Pranshu. 'Our only motive is to get justice for Viyana and make sure this does not happen with any other child in future,' he adds. He also says Pranshu has chosen not to interact with the media at the moment. 'Local community leaders have been calling both of us to withdraw the petition. There is so much pressure on him, so he is avoiding public attention as much as possible,' Sharma says, adding that the two, however, have been working to gather details from across the country to strengthen their case in court. Rajesh Muni and Rajendra Muni rubbish the petition filed by Pranshu and call him a 'frustrated person who wants publicity'. After Viyana's death, it was Rajesh Muni who had advised her parents to apply for the Golden Book of World Records certificate and even gave them a letter of reference to 'prove' the claim. He says, 'I have received two proposals to become an acharya [a higher-ranking spiritual leader] after all this has come out.' Santhara as a custom At a 2007 national seminar on bioethics, Kokila H. Shah, who taught Jainism at universities in India, presented a paper that stated that Santhara is different from suicide and euthanasia because death is neither sudden nor the ultimate aim. Santhara is when 'a person voluntarily, when he is nearing his end and when normal life according to religion is not possible due to old age, incurable disease, severe famine', decides to abandon 'all worldly attachments, by observance of austerities, gradually abstaining from food and water, and by simultaneous meditation on the real nature of the self, until the soul parts from the body'. The ritual can only be performed under the supervision of a monk, and the process is called Sallekhana. In August 2015, the Rajasthan High Court had banned the practice and declared it a criminal offence punishable under the then Indian Penal Code. In Nikhil Soni vs Union of India & Others, the High Court had directed the State authorities to treat the practice as 'suicide' and 'abetment to suicide'. The move prompted protests from the members of the Jain community in Rajasthan and other parts of the country, terming the High Court order 'an infringement on secularism'. The protesters claimed that Santhara was not an act of suicide but a 'devout religious practice' and that the High Court had pronounced the judgment without 'understanding the concept and objectives, the element of rationality behind this ancient practice'. That same month, the Supreme Court, hearing a batch of petitions filed by various Jain community bodies, stayed the Rajasthan High Court's order. Claiming that the High Court had not consulted any scholars of Jainism, the community complained that the court had criminalised the philosophy, which was an 'essential' practice for Jainism. The matter is pending in the Supreme Court. In 2016, Aradhana Samdariya, 13, from Hyderabad, allegedly undertook Santhara and died after 68 days of fasting. As per reports at the time, Samdariya's Santhara was turned into a procession, with community members visiting her and clicking pictures with her. Among the visitors were some top politicians from Telangana. Samdariya suffered a heart attack two days after breaking her 68-day fast and died, only to be hailed as a 'bal tapasvi (child monk)'. A large procession was also taken out for her funeral. The reports also claimed that she had undertaken the fast to 'revive her family's declining business'. At the time, the BBC had reported that 640 prominent community members had sent a list of children who had fasted, along with their photographs, to the police to prove that the ritual was part of Jain tradition. Rajesh Muni says once a person begins Santhara, they enter the life of a monk. Their death is celebrated as that of a monk's as the person is believed to have attained 'moksha (salvation)'. Appeals by child rights groups had prompted the police to register a case against the family. Six months after Samdariya died, the police marked the case as 'action dropped'. 112 Santharas and counting Rajesh Muni, who became a monk in 2001, boasts of having performed 112 Santharas across the country over the years. A native of Khargone, about 130 km from Indore, he holds an MSc degree in Mathematics and comes from a business family. He says he left his home after an argument with his brother and became a monk. In 2021, he completed his PhD in Santhara from Kalinga University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and has been an advocate for it. Chain Singh Surana, 81, who lived in Indore, died on June 29 night after 15 days of Santhara under Rajesh Muni's 'supervision'. At Chain Singh's home in Mahaveer Bagh Colony on the 14th day of the practice, his son, Pushpendra Singh Surana, says his father had himself wished for Santhara a few weeks ago and asked Rajesh Muni for it. 'He did not have any illness, but his body had become really weak with age. The doctors had also said the days ahead would be difficult. So when he asked, we called Muni Maharaj, who came and inspected his health before starting the ritual,' says Pushpendra, as he receives relatives who come by to pay their respects. A day before his death, Chain Singh lay in a room at home, covered in a white sheet, surrounded by relatives, who were chanting religious incantations. Pushpendra says accepting his father's decision for Santhara was difficult for the family, but they made their peace 'knowing that he will attain moksha'. Chain Singh's funeral procession, called dol yatra in Jainism, was taken out on June 30 to celebrate his life and death by Santhara. Consent and choice Viyana's parents talk about their daughter's suffering after she was diagnosed with brain tumour in January this year. 'She was treated at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. She was better after the operation and we brought her home, but in March the tumour resurfaced. The doctors advised against another surgery so quickly, and her condition kept deteriorating,' Varsha says. Piyush, however, does not wish to recall the trauma. 'Every time we talk about her, everything comes back. We cannot go through this again and again,' he says. Vishank Sagar Maharaj, a Meerut-based Digambar Jain monk who was among the prominent voices against the Rajasthan High Court's ban, stresses that it is necessary to take a person's consent before performing the ritual on them. 'It is not Santhara if the person undertaking it is not in a condition to decide anything. Even though there is no specific age bar for undertaking Santhara, it is important that the person seeks it themselves,' says Sagar. 'In this case, if it was not the child's own decision, it is wrong.' Senior journalist Praveen Khariwal, president of the State Press Club and member of the Jain community, says there is no evidence of giving Santhara to a child this young in the community's history. 'In his desire to create a record of [performing] Santhara rituals, the monk has not done any good to the religion.' Rajesh Muni argues that parents have a right to decide for their children in 'exceptional situations'. 'Even a one-day-old infant or a person in a coma can undertake Santhara if their family consents to it. This cannot be termed suicide or murder,' he says. He adds that children from any religion are initiated into its teachings and practices, and draws a parallel to children in the Muslim community fasting during Ramzan. Further defending the practice, he says a person is allowed to break the fast themselves and a doctor too may intervene. He cites Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion. He claims he is not aware of Article 21, which states that no person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty, except according to procedure established by law. Edited by Sunalini Mathew
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Hindustani vocalist makes a cultural statement with his labour of love
Mangaluru: In a musical homage to the late playback legend S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), a singer from Mangaluru has etched his name into the Golden Book of World Records by rendering SPB's iconic songs for a full 24 hours without a break—well, almost. Yashwant M.G., an acclaimed Hindustani vocalist and music teacher, took on the marathon challenge to mark SPB's birth anniversary on June 4. Beginning at precisely 3 PM on June 3, his voice did not fall silent until the clock struck 3 PM the next day—celebrating the very man whose voice shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema for decades. Supported by a dedicated live band and a quietly focused team, Yashwant's performance was not just a test of vocal endurance—it was a labour of love and a cultural statement. It paid tribute to a singer who delivered over 40,000 songs across 16 languages and left an indelible legacy in the world of music. A carefully orchestrated tribute The performance, titled Baalagaana Yashoyana (roughly translated as 'Journey of Victory through Childhood Songs'), was meticulously planned and professionally executed. Every hour, the team followed an official rule: five minutes of break time allowed for hydration, light meals, and vocal rest. Yet, as Yashwant later said, 'The music gave me more energy than any food could.' Accompanying Yashwant was a band of seasoned musicians: Rajagopal on guitar, Deepak Jayasheelan on keyboard, Vaman K. on drums and rhythm, Prajwal Acharya on tabla, Varsha Basrur on flute, and Sumukh Acharya on sitar. Together, they maintained the sonic flow of the performance with admirable finesse. Each song chosen came from SPB's vast and beloved discography—ranging from soulful classical numbers to peppy film tracks across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. While the challenge demanded physical stamina, Yashwant said the emotional impact of the songs posed the greater challenge. 'I grew up with SPB's voice. Singing his songs one after another made me relive my entire musical journey,' he said. Official recognition To ensure authenticity, D. Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, was present to oversee the event and certify the attempt. According to him, this 24-hour uninterrupted musical feat was among the most disciplined and emotionally resonant record attempts he had witnessed. Interestingly, the previous record involved a 12-hour performance of singer Mukesh's Hindi film songs sung in Marathi. Yashwant's effort, therefore, not only broke that benchmark but did so with pan-Indian linguistic representation—true to SPB's multilingual legacy. Who is Yashwant MG? The singer behind this feat is no stranger to accolades. A Hindustani classical vocalist trained under the late Madhav Acharya and Pandit Mahabaleshwar Bhagwat, Yashwant holds postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, Kannada, History, and Hindi. He currently serves as an examiner at Gangubai Hangal Music University in Mysuru. His career has included stints in the NCC Army (18th Karnataka Battalion), and he is deeply rooted in the Vedic and Sanskrit priestly traditions. Musically, he has bagged top honours in various national TV reality shows—including ETV's Edetumbi Haaduvenu (2005), Suvarna TV's Confident Star Singer (2008), and Udaya TV's Sangeetha Mahayuddha (2010). He also composed the full-length Vande Mataram anthem for a world record attempt in 2018, and debuted as a film music director in the Kannada movie Kanasu Kannu Teredaga. In 2024, he reached the semifinals of Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. To date, Yashwant has performed over 3,000 concerts globally and trained more than 5,000 students in Indian music. More than a record While the Golden Book of World Records will formally verify and certify the feat in the coming days, the emotional and musical resonance of the event is already being felt across the region. For many attendees, it felt like SPB himself had briefly returned, his spirit channelled through another devoted voice. 'I did not feel sleepy, nor did my voice waver,' Yashwant said after the final song. 'It was as though SPB himself gave me the strength to complete this journey.' In a world that often chases headlines, this was a moment that chased history—and sang it.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
A Voice That Never Slept: Yashwant MG Sets World Record with 24-Hour SPB Song Marathon
Mangaluru: In a musical homage to the late playback legend S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), a singer from Mangaluru has etched his name into the Golden Book of World Records by rendering SPB's iconic songs for a full 24 hours without a break—well, almost. Yashwant M.G., an acclaimed Hindustani vocalist and music teacher, took on the marathon challenge to mark SPB's birth anniversary on June 4. Beginning at precisely 3 PM on June 3, his voice did not fall silent until the clock struck 3 PM the next day—celebrating the very man whose voice shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema for decades. Supported by a dedicated live band and a quietly focused team, Yashwant's performance was not just a test of vocal endurance—it was a labour of love and a cultural statement. It paid tribute to a singer who delivered over 40,000 songs across 16 languages and left an indelible legacy in the world of music. A Carefully Orchestrated Tribute The performance, titled Baalagaana Yashoyana (roughly translated as "Journey of Victory through Childhood Songs"), was meticulously planned and professionally executed. Every hour, the team followed an official rule: five minutes of break time allowed for hydration, light meals, and vocal rest. Yet, as Yashwant later said, 'The music gave me more energy than any food could.' Accompanying Yashwant was a band of seasoned musicians: Rajagopal on guitar, Deepak Jayasheelan on keyboard, Vaman K. on drums and rhythm, Prajwal Acharya on tabla, Varsha Basrur on flute, and Sumukh Acharya on sitar. Together, they maintained the sonic flow of the performance with admirable finesse. Each song chosen came from SPB's vast and beloved discography—ranging from soulful classical numbers to peppy film tracks across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. While the challenge demanded physical stamina, Yashwant said the emotional impact of the songs posed the greater challenge. 'I grew up with SPB's voice. Singing his songs one after another made me relive my entire musical journey,' he said. Official Recognition To ensure authenticity, D. Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, was present to oversee the event and certify the attempt. According to him, this 24-hour uninterrupted musical feat was among the most disciplined and emotionally resonant record attempts he had witnessed. Interestingly, the previous record involved a 12-hour performance of singer Mukesh's Hindi film songs sung in Marathi. Yashwant's effort, therefore, not only broke that benchmark but did so with pan-Indian linguistic representation—true to SPB's multilingual legacy. Who Is Yashwant M.G.? The singer behind this feat is no stranger to accolades. A Hindustani classical vocalist trained under the late Madhav Acharya and Pandit Mahabaleshwar Bhagwat, Yashwant holds postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, Kannada, History, and Hindi. He currently serves as an examiner at Gangubai Hangal Music University in Mysuru. His career has included stints in the NCC Army (18th Karnataka Battalion), and he is deeply rooted in the Vedic and Sanskrit priestly traditions. Musically, he has bagged top honours in various national TV reality shows—including ETV's Edetumbi Haaduvenu (2005), Suvarna TV's Confident Star Singer (2008), and Udaya TV's Sangeetha Mahayuddha (2010). He also composed the full-length Vande Mataram anthem for a world record attempt in 2018, and debuted as a film music director in the Kannada movie Kanasu Kannu Teredaga. In 2024, he reached the semifinals of Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. To date, Yashwant has performed over 3,000 concerts globally and trained more than 5,000 students in Indian music. More Than a Record While the Golden Book of World Records will formally verify and certify the feat in the coming days, the emotional and musical resonance of the event is already being felt across the region. For many attendees, it felt like SPB himself had briefly returned, his spirit channelled through another devoted voice. 'I did not feel sleepy, nor did my voice waver,' Yashwant said after the final song. 'It was as though SPB himself gave me the strength to complete this journey.' In a world that often chases headlines, this was a moment that chased history—and sang it.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tribute to SPB: Singer to attempt 24-hour singing marathon
Mangaluru: In a heartfelt tribute to the legendary playback singer late SP Balasubrahmanyam, a Hindustani vocalist and music director from the city, is set to embark on a 24-hour non-stop singing marathon in an attempt to enter the Golden Book of World Records. Vidwan Yashwanth MG,42, will perform 240 Kannada songs from 3 pm on June 3 to 3 pm on June 4 at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall in the city. Of these, 90% will be film songs, while the rest include bhavageete and devotional numbers. He will be accompanied by a six-member live orchestra featuring Raj Gopal (guitar), Deepak Jayasheelan (keyboard), Vaman K (drums & rhythm), Prajwal Acharya (tabla), Varsha Basrur (flute), and Sumuk Acharya (sitar). A winner of the 2005 season of a popular reality show, hosted by SPB, Yashwanth told reporters on Wednesday, that the event is a long-cherished dream dedicated to his idol. "I wanted to do this 7-8 years ago when SPB was alive, but financial limitations held me back. This is my humble tribute to the man who inspired generations," he said. During the performance, Yashwanth will only take a five-minute break every hour. He will sing only solo tracks with no chorus backing, and has prepared an additional 20 songs as a reserve in case he finishes early. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo As per medical advice, he will consume only liquids throughout the marathon. Interestingly, Yashwanth has not undergone any specific training for the feat. "My past experience with overnight bhajans and the mental and physical resilience developed as a NCC Army officer will support me," he said. Pointing out that SPB rendered over 40,000 songs in Kannada alone, Yashwanth noted that no one previously attempted such a record singing SPB's Kannada songs non-stop. "There's a known 12-hour record for Marathi songs by Mukesh Kumar, but this is something unique," he added. Dr Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, will be present to witness the attempt.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Singer to attempt 24-hour singing marathon in tribute to SP Balasubrahmanyam
Late Dr. SP Balasubrahmanyam MANGALURU: In a heartfelt tribute to the legendary playback singer Late Dr SP Balasubrahmanyam, a Hindustani vocalist and music director from Mangaluru is set to embark on a 24-hour non-stop singing marathon in an attempt to enter the Golden Book of World Records. Vidwan Yashwanth MG, 42, will perform 240 Kannada songs from 3 pm on June 3 to 3 pm on June 4 at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall in the city. Of these, 90 percent will be film songs, while the rest include bhavageete and devotional numbers. He will be accompanied by a six-member live orchestra featuring Raj Gopal (Guitar), Deepak Jayasheelan (Keyboard), Vaman K (Drums & Rhythm), Prajwal Acharya (Tabla), Varsha Basrur (Flute), and Sumuk Acharya (Sitar). A winner of the 2005 season of a popular reality show, hosted by SPB, Yashwanth told reporters on Wednesday that the event is a long-cherished dream dedicated to his idol. 'I wanted to do this 7-8 years ago when SPB was alive, but financial limitations held me back. This is my humble tribute to the man who inspired generations,' he said. During the performance, Yashwanth will only take a five-minute break every hour. He will sing only solo tracks with no chorus backing and has prepared an additional 20 songs as a reserve in case he finishes early. As per medical advice, he will consume only liquids throughout the marathon. Interestingly, Yashwanth has not undergone any specific training for the feat. 'My past experience with overnight bhajans and the mental and physical resilience developed as a NCC Army officer will support me,' he said. Pointing out that SPB rendered over 40,000 songs in Kannada alone, Yashwanth noted that no one previously attempted such a record singing SPB's Kannada songs non-stop. 'There's a known 12-hour record for Marathi songs by Mukesh Kumar, but this is something unique,' he added. Dr Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, will be present to witness the attempt.
