On the momentous occasion of Dr. T R Paarvendhar’s 85th birthday, MP and Founder Chancellor of SRM Institute of Science & Technology (SRMIST), the institution not only celebrated through a remarkable sporting event but also championed a significant social cause. A 24-hour continuous basketball free throw marathon, involving 85 students, led to a new Nova World Record, which has been officially registered in the Nova Book of Records under Record No.: NWR-2024-1136, dated 24.08.2024. This event also served as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of staying drug-free.
The event, which began on 23rd August 2024 at 09:06 AM and concluded on 24th August 2024 at the same time, was organized to emphasize the value of sports and a healthy lifestyle as powerful alternatives to drug use. Students from various SRM group institutions, including SRMIST, SRM VEC, SRM Agri, SRM Arts, and VPT, participated, representing different districts, states, and even countries. Their involvement underscored the unity and commitment of the SRM community toward promoting a drug-free environment.
The concept of the marathon was simple yet demanding, with each student given 10 minutes to make as many non-stop free throws as possible before passing the challenge to the next participant. This rotation continued over 24 hours, with all 85 students contributing to the final count of 38,842 free throw attempts, out of which 14,410 successful baskets were made. Beyond setting a new world record, the event highlighted the power of sports as a positive outlet and a means to discourage drug use.
Esteemed guests such as Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Pro-Chancellor Administration SRMIST, and Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor Academics SRMIST, graced the event, reflecting SRMIST’s holistic approach to education, which includes both academic excellence and social responsibility. Their presence, alongside other leaders, reinforced the message that staying drug-free is essential for achieving one’s full potential.
The event was organized and guided by a team of dedicated leaders, including Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor SRMIST, Prof. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar SRMIST, and Prof. R. Mohana Krishnan, Director of Sports SRMIST. Their leadership ensured that the event was not only a success in terms of record-setting but also in spreading awareness about the dangers of drug use and the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
The record was officially adjudicated by a distinguished team from Nova World Records, including Rajkumar Natarajan, Editor-in-Chief, Dhilipan, Indian Director, Pasupathi, State Adjudicator, Essaki Raj, State Adjudicator, Prabhakaran, State Adjudicator, and Navin Raj, Media Reporter. Their verification solidified SRMIST’s achievement and ensured its recognition on a global scale.
By combining a world-record-setting sports event with an anti-drug awareness campaign, SRMIST has set an example of how institutions can use their platforms to influence positive change. This event has not only brought glory to the institution but also conveyed a powerful message to the youth—stay focused, stay active, and say no to drugs.
Congratulations to all the participants, organizers, and leaders who made this historic and socially impactful event possible.
Also Read: https://nwrnews.com/index.php/2023/08/24/srm-university-makes-history-with-dual-nova-world-records/
