World's tallest lantern for SRK

Mumbai: 

Indebted: Sachin Shinde just after his operation last year

Guardian angel: The cover page of the MiD DAY issue that first carried Shinde's story

Sachin Shinde (33), who currently holds the record for having created the world's largest lantern, is all set to break his own record this year. He is planning to dedicate a 43-foot lantern to Shah Rukh Khan on his 43rd birthday in November.

Shinde said he wanted to dedicate this lantern to SRK, as he felt he owed his life to the actor. During Diwali last year, when Shinde had been kept waiting for a life-saving heart operation due to lack of funds, his story was reported in a MiD DAY issue that was guest edited by SRK. Within a day of the publication of that issue, Shinde had received over Rs 1.15 lakh and two of his four heart valves were replaced.

Shinde, who is in Ratnagiri for Ganeshotsav, said, "I will start making the lantern after the festival. I want to break my own record. I have already spoken to some sponsors and a thermocol company has promised me to meet me after Ganeshotsav."

Better equipped

Shinde said he was better equipped to handle the feat this time. Last time, he had made the lantern in 15 days with nine other members. But this time, he says, he will finish the task with only seven to eight helpers within the same time. "It was the first time and we didn't have a precise idea about the materials required. Lots of material was wasted. That won't happen this time," added Shinde.

Shinde, who lives in Navi Mumbai with his parents, is still not a happy man. He has been unable to get a job and bring his wife and son to live with him. "My wife is working in Ratnagiri and I don't want her to leave the job that runs our home," he said. Adding, he still has to go to KEM Hospital every month for medicines. "I have applied to many places, but in vain. I have to do something like making lanterns and other things to feed my family," said Shinde.

The earlier record

Shinde made the world's largest sky lantern in 1998. His name was mentioned in the Guinness World Records and the Limca Book of Records for the feat.

The 38-ft long and 22-ft wide lantern was made in 15 days (225 man hours), using 2,000 sheets of 3x3 sq inch thermocol and 25 kg nails. It was lit by 10 bulbs of 250-watt each in Pune. As the lantern was made of thermocol, it has been destroyed. If you want to help Shinde latest endeavour, contact him on 9860708248/ 9324437005.Mumbai: 

Indebted: Sachin Shinde just after his operation last year

Guardian angel: The cover page of the MiD DAY issue that first carried Shinde's story

Sachin Shinde (33), who currently holds the record for having created the world's largest lantern, is all set to break his own record this year. He is planning to dedicate a 43-foot lantern to Shah Rukh Khan on his 43rd birthday in November.

Shinde said he wanted to dedicate this lantern to SRK, as he felt he owed his life to the actor. During Diwali last year, when Shinde had been kept waiting for a life-saving heart operation due to lack of funds, his story was reported in a MiD DAY issue that was guest edited by SRK. Within a day of the publication of that issue, Shinde had received over Rs 1.15 lakh and two of his four heart valves were replaced.

Shinde, who is in Ratnagiri for Ganeshotsav, said, "I will start making the lantern after the festival. I want to break my own record. I have already spoken to some sponsors and a thermocol company has promised me to meet me after Ganeshotsav."

Better equipped

Shinde said he was better equipped to handle the feat this time. Last time, he had made the lantern in 15 days with nine other members. But this time, he says, he will finish the task with only seven to eight helpers within the same time. "It was the first time and we didn't have a precise idea about the materials required. Lots of material was wasted. That won't happen this time," added Shinde.

Shinde, who lives in Navi Mumbai with his parents, is still not a happy man. He has been unable to get a job and bring his wife and son to live with him. "My wife is working in Ratnagiri and I don't want her to leave the job that runs our home," he said. Adding, he still has to go to KEM Hospital every month for medicines. "I have applied to many places, but in vain. I have to do something like making lanterns and other things to feed my family," said Shinde.

The earlier record

Shinde made the world's largest sky lantern in 1998. His name was mentioned in the Guinness World Records and the Limca Book of Records for the feat.

The 38-ft long and 22-ft wide lantern was made in 15 days (225 man hours), using 2,000 sheets of 3x3 sq inch thermocol and 25 kg nails. It was lit by 10 bulbs of 250-watt each in Pune. As the lantern was made of thermocol, it has been destroyed. If you want to help Shinde latest endeavour