Coimbatore: Techie attempts Guinness record with toothpick art

Coimbatore: An IT employee from Coimbatore attempted a Guinness world record by creating a Swachh Bharat campaign portrait using 17 lakh toothpicks. K. S. Kamalakannan, 24, from Salem, a software engineer of PERSONIV AG Resource Ltd, created a portrait with 17 lakh toothpicks at the Tidel Park Premises in Coimbatore. Speaking about his attempt, he said, "I tried for a world record three times on various concepts from my college days, but did not succeed due to lack of support. Now I have successfully completed my attempt with the support of my firm which recognized my passion."

He took 33 continuous days to make the 7.1x14.1 feet portrait by fixing toothpicks. He said, "With only four hours of rest each day, I fixed the toothpicks on the board under round-the-clock video surveillance. I developed fever due to staying inside an air conditioned room and severe pain, but was happy after completion." He depicted the concept of creating awareness on child labour, saving water, saying no to plastic and saving trees along with the main theme of the Swachh Bharat campaign. A team of four juries in Coimbatore and the report along with a video would be submitted for various records. He said, "The attempt will be submitted for various records including the Asia Book of Records, Elite World Record, Tamil Nadu Book of Records, Asia Book of Records and Guinness world record."

The firm and his parents Siddhan and Sakthi funded his attempt to the tune of nearly Rs 4 lakh. Vice President of Operations, PERSONIV, said, "The portrait will be laminated and permanently fixed inside the company premises to recognise his attempt."