In a historic celebration of unity, devotion, and cultural pride, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) paid tribute to Saint Tukdoji Maharaj on his 57th death anniversary by achieving four world records through a mass recital of the university anthem “Yaa Bharatat Bandhubhav Nitya Vasu De.”
Penned by the revered saint in his literary masterpiece Gram Geeta, the anthem echoed across the university grounds and beyond as 16,000 participants sang in person, joined by 52,000 more online from across the world. This collective performance broke the previous record of 5,000 people singing together.
A Quadruple Record-Breaking Feat
The event earned RTMNU recognition from multiple prestigious record authorities, including:
Guinness World Records for the Largest Online Video Album of People Singing the Same Song, featuring 15,402 participants worldwide.
Asia Book of Records, India Book of Records, and World Record Book of India for the Largest Simultaneous Participation in Singing a University Anthem.
Emma Brain, the Guinness World Records representative present at the event, officially declared the achievement, while Vice-Chancellor Dr Madhavi Khode-Chawre and Manoj Tattavadi presented the certificates to commemorate the historic moment.
Celebrating Legacy and Unity
The grand occasion served as both a cultural and spiritual homage to Saint Tukdoji Maharaj, whose teachings on humanity, compassion, and patriotism continue to inspire generations.
Chief Guest Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari lauded the event, emphasising that “No religion, caste, or sect is bigger than the religion of humanity. Imitating this spirit is the true tribute to the Rashtrasant.”
Adding a touch of humour and heartfelt reflection, comedian Bharat Ganeshpure, a native of Amravati—Tukdoji Maharaj’s birthplace—shared insights from the Gram Geeta, illustrating the saint’s timeless wisdom through simplicity and laughter.
Voices of Inspiration
In her address, Vice-Chancellor Dr Madhavi Khode-Chawre described the event as “a double tribute — both digital and physical — that aims to instil the values of compassion, unity, and patriotism among students.”
Organising Committee Chairman Samay Bansod highlighted that the anthem, originally penned and sung by Tukdoji Maharaj on August 15, 1947, remains a beacon of collective brotherhood and harmony among today’s youth.
