Mangaluru, July 28, 2025: In an extraordinary display of endurance, artistry, and devotion, Remona Evette Pereira, a student of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), has secured her place in the Golden Book of World Records by performing Bharatanatyam non-stop for 170 hours over seven consecutive days.
The historic achievement was formally recognized on July 28 during a felicitation ceremony at St Aloysius, where Dr. Manish Vishnoei, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, presented Remona with the prestigious honor. “Bharatanatyam is not just movement but an expression of profound emotion through the body,” Dr. Vishnoei said. “When Remona proposed this, I suggested a five-day performance, but her resolve to dance for seven days—10,200 minutes with minimal rest—was unimaginable. Her perseverance and divine grace set a new benchmark, surpassing the previous record of 127 hours.”
Remona began her marathon at the Robert Sequeira Hall on July 21, continuing until the afternoon of July 28. She was allowed a 15-minute break every three hours, supported by a team of medical interns monitoring her vitals and a simple diet of fruits, dry fruits, and light meals. Despite minor headaches and fatigue, her determination never wavered. She broke the previous record, set by 16-year-old Sudhir Jagpat from Latur in 2023 for 127 hours, on the evening of July 26 and pressed on to complete her seven-day goal.
University and Community Celebrate a Historic Feat
Dr. Praveen Martis, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius, hailed the achievement as a proud moment for the university. “Two years ago, Remona shared her vision with me. Last year, we consulted the Golden Book to assess its feasibility. This wasn’t just physical endurance—it was a spiritual tribute to Bharatanatyam’s depth,” he said. Recalling a key moment, he added, “When she crossed 127 hours, I asked if she wanted to stop. With quiet resolve, she said she’d finish what she started—and she did, with remarkable grace.”
Fr. Melwin Pinto, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, described the performance as a meditative act. “This wasn’t just dance—it was a state of meditation. To perform for days with minimal sleep is beyond comprehension. ‘Congratulations’ feels inadequate for what she’s achieved.”
A Community Effort and a Mentor’s Pride
Remona’s journey was bolstered by unwavering support from her mentor, Dr. Vidya Muralidharan of Saurabha Natyalaya, who has trained her for 13 years. “Remona dances with her heart,” Dr. Vidya said. “This record is a revival of Bharatanatyam’s elegance for the younger generation.” To sustain the marathon, Dr. Vidya curated a three-hour audio set of Bharatanatyam compositions in various Dravidian languages, strategically repeated to match the performance’s duration.
Sujan, a member of the Horizon Dance Team, recounted the emotional experience of supporting Remona. “The first two days were quiet, but soon the hall was packed, even at midnight. Her parents, teachers, and friends gave her immense strength. We believed in her completely.”
A Cultural Triumph
The felicitation ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including MLC Ivan D’Souza, Remona’s mother Gladis Celine, and fellow artistes who witnessed the week-long performance. What Remona has accomplished transcends a personal milestone—it is a cultural beacon. In an era where traditional art forms compete with digital distractions, her seven-day dance marathon stands as a testament to discipline, resilience, and the timeless beauty of Indian classical dance. For those who watched, it was not just a record but a profound revelation.