Karnataka - Mangalore   

Lecturing his way to fame

Special Correspondent

A. Ramesh

MANGALORE: A. Ramesh of the Department of Applied Botany, Mangalore University, who set out to create a record in marathon lecturing on March 22 ended it on Sunday after lecturing for 98 hours and 33 minutes non-stop, which appears to be the longest lecture ever given by an individual. If everything goes as planned, Mr. Ramesh's feat will find a mention in the record books.

After the event Mr. Ramesh felt uneasy and was taken to hospital for check-up. He later came out of the hospital and spoke to the press. Mr. Ramesh said that although he was happy over the way things went, he felt sad that he could not lecture for 101 hours as planned.

Mr. Ramesh said the earlier record was held by Musawazi of South Africa, who delivered a lecture on democracy lasting 88 hours and four seconds.

Mr. Ramesh, who lectured on "Molecular logic of life," said he practised for nine months for the event.

He said that most of the matter for the marathon lecture had been taken from his regular studies and lectures at the university.

A panel of experts was present to evaluate his lecture, and every four hours the panel changed as per the rule for such events.

Throughout the marathon lecture there were at least 20 people among the audience and a group of students who were of help to Mr. Ramesh.

He said the rules of record-making were tough as he was not supposed to pause for more than 30 seconds in the course of the lecture. However, the 15-minute break after every eight hours of the lecture was of immense help, he said.

The most difficult part was the physical fatigue, especially during night.

The event has been videographed and would be sent to the Guinness World Records in the United Kingdom soon.

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