KARIMNAGAR: It is stated to be one of the smallest Bhagavad Gitas and measures only 1.5 cm in height and 1 cm in width, weighs only 840 mg. and has 256 pages. Of course, one can read this tiny book only with the help of a magnifying lens.

It was the diligent effort of R Vijayabhaskar, a Government teacher in Kistampeta village of Kalwa Srirampur mandal that saw this tiny Gita come to light after a 20-day struggle. Inspired by newspaper reports about the smallest `Quran' , he had decided to script the Bhagavat Gita. Apart from sheer effort it also required certain materials to make the miniature a reality. Mr. Vijayabhaskar had collected the thinnest paper available, cut it into minute size. A small table-stand had to be set up to place these papers and write. He started writing the slokas with a needle sharp pencil and with the help of a magnifying lens. His effort bore fruit after 20 days. The 256 pages of Gita was ready with all the 701 slokas. "I spent more time in sharpening my pencil than in writing. I used to sharpen my pencil for every word to ensure that the words were real small,'' he said.

Artistic traits

He also took about two hours to bind the Gita into a hard cover book. He is also known for carving sculptures on chalk. His exposure to calligraphy also helped him. Even in school, he instils the importance of handwriting on his students. "My ambition is to enter record books by producing a smaller book," he said. He added that he would donate the Gita to the President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

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