Udupi: Singer and Golden Book of World Records holder Yashwanth M G is set to attempt another world record by singing continuously for 28 hours, featuring songs representing all 28 states of India in 28 different languages under the theme ‘Vande Bharata Matharam’. The event will be held on October 28 and 29 at Dr Rajkumar Auditorium, near Geleyara Balaga Layout, Mahalakshmipuram, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.
The initiative is inspired by the national vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and is dedicated to the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose contribution to India’s national integration is being commemorated through music.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club in Mangaluru, Yashwanth M G said the initiative was conceived to highlight India’s unity in diversity and celebrate its linguistic and cultural richness.
Singing marathon to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, Yashwanth said his research into the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had strengthened his appreciation of the leader’s role in unifying the country after Independence.
He said Patel’s efforts to integrate the princely states in 1947 had played a crucial role in shaping a united India.
Yashwanth said he wanted to dedicate the record attempt to Patel, whose birth anniversary falls on October 31, as a tribute to his contribution to national integration.
The singer said the programme would use music as a medium to bring people together by showcasing songs from different regions, languages and cultural traditions.
The initiative seeks to demonstrate how India’s linguistic diversity can become a source of unity, with each state represented through songs that reflect its identity and heritage.
One hour dedicated to each of India’s 28 states
The central concept of the programme is to dedicate one hour to each of India’s 28 states, presenting songs associated with their respective languages and cultures.
Yashwanth plans to sing songs representing all 28 states in 28 different languages during the 28-hour attempt. The programme will also feature Kannada, Kodava and Tulu songs, highlighting the linguistic diversity of Karnataka.
The singing marathon is scheduled to begin at 10 am on October 28 and continue until 6 pm on October 29. The record attempt itself is scheduled to commence at 12.55 pm on October 28.
The opening ceremony will feature the flag of Himachal Pradesh, followed by the blowing of a conch at 1 pm to mark the beginning of the singing marathon.
The programme is designed to bring together musical traditions from across the country, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the diversity of India’s regional cultures through a single event.
Kannada classic to open and conclude the attempt
The singing marathon will begin with the iconic Kannada song ‘Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Hutta Beku’, made famous by the late Dr Rajkumar. The same song will also be performed at the conclusion of the attempt.
The selection of the song at both ends of the programme gives Kannada music a prominent place in the event while the wider repertoire will celebrate the musical traditions of all 28 states.
The inclusion of Kannada, Kodava and Tulu songs is also expected to highlight the cultural richness of Karnataka and the contribution of regional languages to India’s broader linguistic heritage.
Through the ‘Vande Bharata Matharam’ theme, the organisers aim to connect music, patriotism and cultural diversity in a format that brings together different linguistic traditions.
The event will also draw attention to the importance of preserving regional languages and encouraging younger generations to appreciate India’s varied cultural expressions.
Music director V Manohar to inaugurate event
Renowned music director V Manohar will inaugurate the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Former minister K Gopalaiah will preside over the inaugural function.
Several public representatives and dignitaries are expected to attend, including Bengaluru South MP Tejaswi Surya, Bengaluru city police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh and Golden Book of World Records Asia head Manish Bishnoi.
Other invitees include Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Mangaluru City North MLA Y Bharath Shetty and Karnataka Scouts and Guides Commissioner P G R Sindhia.
Their expected participation will bring together representatives from public life, music and cultural organisations for the event.
The involvement of the Golden Book of World Records Asia representative is particularly relevant to the proposed record attempt. The final recognition of the achievement will depend on the applicable verification and certification process.
Valedictory ceremony scheduled for October 29
The valedictory ceremony is scheduled for October 29 at 5 pm and will be presided over by the minister for Kannada and Culture and Backward Classes Welfare.
Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader, former Union minister Nalin Kumar Kateel, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president Mithun Rai and Karnataka Vishwakarma Nigama chairman Sujnanamoorthi are among those expected to participate.
The concluding programme will mark the end of the singing marathon and bring together the participants and dignitaries associated with the initiative.
Yashwanth’s proposed 28-hour performance aims to combine a test of musical endurance with a celebration of India’s linguistic diversity and the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Sushanth Bandary, Madhav Suvarna, Umakanth, Naveen and Mallika were present at the press conference in Mangaluru.
With songs representing every state forming the core of the initiative, the event seeks to convey the message that India’s many languages and cultural traditions remain integral to its national identity.