Beyond the Finish Line: How Prateek Choraria Used a World Record Attempt to Defend the Future of Libraries
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the quiet relevance of libraries is steadily being overshadowed by screens, search engines, and short attention spans. Once considered the backbone of learning and intellectual growth, libraries today struggle to attract visitors or funding. For Prateek Choraria, a 43-year-old entrepreneur based in Delhi, this reality was not something to be accepted—it was something to be challenged.
Prateek’s life reflects balance. He is a dedicated businessman, a husband, and a father to a 17-year-old daughter. His professional journey spans industries, evolving from textiles to technology-driven construction. Yet, despite his success, he remained deeply aware that progress without purpose is incomplete. Education, he believed, should never lose its physical spaces—places where curiosity is nurtured, ideas are explored, and knowledge is respected.
This belief slowly transformed into action when Prateek began observing how people’s learning habits were changing. Libraries were no longer destinations; they were becoming afterthoughts. The decline was subtle, but its consequences were serious.
A Shared Concern That Sparked Action
The turning point came through Prateek’s friendship with Sujoy, whom he met nearly two years ago. Their conversations often returned to one central theme—the diminishing role of libraries in modern life. As online platforms grew, physical learning spaces were quietly fading into the background.
Determined to understand the reality, they began visiting libraries and speaking with staff. During one such visit, they encountered a library employee who had gone unpaid for 38 months. That moment reshaped their perspective. The issue was no longer abstract or theoretical. It was human, urgent, and deeply troubling.
From that point on, the idea of attempting a Guinness World Record was no longer about personal achievement. It became a tool—a way to shine a spotlight on an overlooked crisis.
The First Attempt: Effort, Execution, and Experience
In April 2025, Prateek and Sujoy made their first official attempt to set a Guinness World Record by visiting the maximum number of libraries within a fixed time. The preparation was exhaustive. Each library required prior approval, identity verification, and strict compliance with documentation rules. Routes had to be mapped precisely, accounting for traffic, operating hours, and institutional restrictions.
Despite these complexities, they successfully visited 61 libraries in a single attempt—a significant accomplishment by any measure. However, the attempt was later disqualified due to technical reasons related to documentation.
While the outcome was disappointing, it did not diminish their resolve. Instead, it reinforced their confidence that the idea was strong and the execution possible. The experience offered valuable lessons and strengthened their commitment to attempt again.
Challenges That Tested Limits
The journey tested far more than physical stamina. Many institutions refused access due to security concerns, particularly educational campuses. With full permissions, the number of visits could have been much higher.
Time management became a daily battle. Libraries operated on different schedules, with varying lunch breaks and closing hours. The team adapted constantly—travelling longer distances during closures, skipping meals, and pushing through exhaustion.
One of the most intense moments occurred at the American Embassy Library. In a rush, Prateek unknowingly took a photograph in a restricted area, triggering immediate security intervention. His identification documents were confiscated, and he was questioned before being allowed to proceed. The incident underscored how fragile the attempt was and how easily it could have ended.
Support That Restored Faith
Amid the challenges, moments of genuine support stood out. FORE School of Management demonstrated exceptional cooperation. Their team coordinated closely, monitored arrival times, and even arranged professional photography after understanding the significance of the visit.
For Prateek and Sujoy, this support symbolized what institutions can achieve when they actively champion knowledge.
A Message That Goes Beyond Records
For Prateek Choraria, this journey was never about breaking records—it was about breaking indifference. Libraries remain vital spaces of verified information, reflection, and intellectual discipline in an age overwhelmed by unfiltered content.
His effort serves as a reminder that progress must coexist with preservation. By turning a world record attempt into a purpose-driven mission, Prateek helped reopen a conversation society had quietly stopped having—why libraries still matter, and why they deserve to survive.
