700 Bhagavad Gita Shlokas In 84,426 Images: 12 YO Boy Sets National Record

12-year-old Prasanna Kumar DP, a student at Swaroopa Adyayana Kendra, has made an exceptional achievement, securing a place in the India Book of Records (IBR). He designed a unique visual depiction of the Bhagavad Gita, illustrating all 700 shlokas through a special pictorial language created by the centre. In doing so, he crafted 84,426 intricate images to represent every word of the sacred scripture.

Journey of 1400 Lines

Prasanna, the son of Pampapathi and Nandini from Holehonnur, Shivamogga district in Mangalore embarked on this extraordinary task after joining Swaroopa Adyayana Kendra just a year ago, following his studies at Rashtrothana Vidhyalaya in Shivamogga. Prasanna worked tirelessly day and night for two-and-a-half months, producing 1,400 lines of illustrations on hardboard sheets.

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Innovative Strategy

Prasanna’s dedication was recognised in August when he was awarded the IBR Achiever record for his artistic feat. The Bhagavad Gita, comprising 700 verses, was translated into 84,426 unique illustrations, each symbolising a different word. The achievement not only showcases Prasanna’s concentration and skill but also highlights the innovative learning methods employed at the Swaroopa Adyayana Kendra.

An Internet user applauded the youngster's efforts to stimulate an interest in the Indian culture among the Gen Alpha. 

He appreciated the pictoral language method used at the Centre Notes for any subject can be easily memorised by students using the pictorial language. "Many of the students in our centre created records by using the learning methods of the centre", he said.

Teaching Backed By Science

Pictorial strategies for learning science are backed by research, showing they enhance comprehension, memory retention, and engagement. Visuals reduce cognitive load, support diverse learning styles, and help conceptualize complex scientific concepts. Dual Coding Theory and multimedia learning highlight the benefits of combining visual and verbal information. These strategies simplify abstract ideas, making them more accessible and easier to retain.

Role of the Kendra

Looking back on his accomplishment, Prasanna mentioned that the experience improved both his focus and self-confidence.

"The Adyayana Kendra greatly encouraged me. They provided me with the strength to learn, which boosted my concentration and self-confidence. I am ready to set another world record," he said.

With a keen desire to push further, Prasanna plans to document his achievement in a bid to enter the Guinness World Records. As part of his future project, he aims to translate the Bhagavad Gita into the Swaroopa pictorial style for each English letter, marking the next step in his journey.