A Record with a Purpose: How Prateek Choraria Turned a Guinness World Record Attempt into a Mission to Save Libraries
In a time when smartphones have replaced bookshelves and online searches have replaced quiet hours inside libraries, the world is slowly drifting away from one of its greatest knowledge resources. For Prateek Choraria, a 43 year old businessman based in Delhi, this shift was not just concerning. It became a calling.
Prateek is happily married and lives in Delhi with his wife and 17 year old daughter. Known for his entrepreneurial journey from textiles to technology driven construction, he has always believed that real growth comes with responsibility. Beyond business success, he felt strongly about preserving spaces that nurture learning and critical thinking. This belief led to an extraordinary initiative that aimed to highlight the importance of libraries by attempting a Guinness World Records record.
A Friendship That Gave Birth to a Bigger Idea
The idea took shape through a meaningful friendship. Prateek met Sujoy around two years ago and the two quickly connected over shared values and conversations about how learning habits were changing. With everything moving online, people were no longer visiting libraries or resource centres. These institutions hold more knowledge than we can imagine, yet many are struggling to survive due to low footfall.
During their research, they met a library employee who had not received his salary for 38 months. That single interaction deeply impacted them. It made the issue real and personal. The record attempt was no longer about achievement. It became a mission to bring attention to a silent crisis.
The First Attempt and the Lessons It Taught
In April 2025, Prateek and Sujoy made their first attempt at the record. They successfully visited 61 libraries in a single attempt, which itself was a massive logistical achievement. The planning involved detailed route mapping, advance permissions from every library, and strict adherence to documentation guidelines.
Despite their preparation and execution, the attempt was disapproved due to technical reasons. While disappointing, it did not break their spirit. Instead, it strengthened their confidence. They knew the groundwork was solid and that success was possible with a second attempt.
Challenges Beyond Physical Endurance
This was not a record that could be attempted casually. Every library required prior approval. Security protocols were strict and many educational institutions refused access altogether. Had those permissions been granted, the final count would have been much higher.
Managing time was another major challenge. Each library had different operating hours and different lunch breaks. The team used these gaps strategically, covering longer distances during closures. Running between locations, missing meals, and dealing with exhaustion became part of the journey.
One of the most intense moments occurred at the American Embassy Library. In the rush to complete formalities, Prateek unknowingly took a photograph where photography was strictly prohibited. Security was immediately alerted and his identification documents were taken. After questioning and verification, he was eventually allowed to leave. It was a reminder of how high the stakes were and how a small mistake could have ended the entire attempt.
A Library That Set an Example
Among all the libraries they visited, one institution stood out for its exceptional support. FORE School of Management went beyond basic cooperation. Their team stayed in constant touch, tracked the arrival time, and even arranged a professional photographer after understanding that the visit was part of a Guinness World Record attempt.
For Prateek and Sujoy, this level of support reflected what institutions can achieve when they truly value knowledge and learning.
More Than a Record A Message for the Future
For Prateek Choraria, the record attempt was never just about numbers. It was about reminding people that libraries still matter. They are living repositories of verified knowledge, history, and intellectual growth. In a digital world full of information overload, libraries offer depth, authenticity, and trust.
This journey stands as a powerful reminder that progress should not come at the cost of losing our foundations. Through determination, purpose, and empathy, Prateek transformed a record attempt into a movement that speaks for libraries and the people who keep them alive.
