Why a World Record Was Never the Real Goal for Prateek Choraria
Libraries rarely make headlines anymore. Their struggles unfold quietly empty reading rooms, aging shelves, unpaid staff, and declining relevance in a screen-driven world. For Prateek Choraria, a 43-year-old entrepreneur from Delhi, this quiet decline felt unsettling. What began as concern soon transformed into a purpose-driven mission.
Prateek’s professional journey spans industries as varied as textiles and technology-led construction. Alongside business success, he leads a balanced personal life with his wife and their 17-year-old daughter. Over the years, his understanding of progress matured. He came to believe that true advancement must preserve institutions that shape disciplined thinking and verified learning. Libraries, in his view, were among the most important of those institutions.
The concern deepened as Prateek observed how learning habits were changing. Digital platforms offered speed and convenience, but often at the cost of depth and reliability. Libraries, once central to education and intellectual exploration, were being sidelined. Rather than accept this shift as inevitable, he decided to investigate further.
A Friendship That Gave Direction
Nearly two years ago, Prateek met Sujoy, and their conversations quickly gravitated toward education and the future of knowledge spaces. Both noticed how libraries and resource centres were losing footfall despite holding immense intellectual value. Their shared curiosity led them to visit libraries and interact with the people who ran them.
During this exploration, they encountered a library employee who had not been paid for 38 months. That single interaction changed everything. The issue was no longer theoretical—it was human and urgent. Libraries were not just fading culturally; they were struggling operationally, affecting the livelihoods of those who kept them functioning.
It was at this moment that Prateek realized awareness needed to be created in a way that could not be ignored.
Choosing an Unconventional Path
Instead of traditional advocacy, Prateek chose an unconventional approach: attempting a Guinness World Record by visiting the maximum number of libraries within a fixed timeframe. The idea was simple yet powerful—a record attempt would naturally attract attention and spark conversations about libraries.
The preparation for the attempt was exhaustive. Each library required advance permission, compliance with strict documentation guidelines, and coordination with security protocols. Routes were planned minute by minute, factoring in traffic, distances, operating hours, and institutional restrictions.
In April 2025, Prateek and Sujoy made their first official attempt. Despite the complexities, they successfully visited 61 libraries a remarkable logistical achievement. However, the attempt was later disqualified due to technical documentation issues.
While the outcome was disappointing, it did not weaken their resolve. Instead, it validated the concept and highlighted areas for improvement. The experience strengthened their confidence that the mission was achievable.
Challenges That Tested More Than Endurance
The journey tested limits beyond physical stamina. Many educational institutions denied access due to security concerns, which significantly impacted the final count. Time management became a constant challenge as libraries followed different schedules, lunch breaks, and early closures.
The team used closures strategically, travelling longer distances during downtime and often skipping meals to stay on schedule. Exhaustion became part of the routine.
One particularly tense incident occurred at the American Embassy Library. In a moment of haste, Prateek unknowingly took a photograph in a restricted area. Security was alerted immediately, and his identification documents were confiscated. After questioning and verification, he was allowed to leave. The incident underscored how fragile the attempt was and how easily it could have ended.
Institutions That Restored Confidence
Amid the challenges, moments of genuine support stood out. FORE School of Management demonstrated exceptional cooperation, staying in constant communication and arranging professional photography once they understood the significance of the visit. Their support reflected what institutions can achieve when they actively value knowledge.
A Message That Outlives Any Record
For Prateek Choraria, the record attempt was never about entering a book. It was about reminding society that libraries still matter. In an age of information overload, libraries offer credibility, structure, and depth that digital platforms often lack.
By turning a world record attempt into a purpose-driven journey, Prateek delivered a lasting message progress should move forward, but it should never abandon the foundations that nurture thoughtful minds.
