72-hour non-stop keyboard playing: Student sets new record

Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, Jan 16 (UNI) It was a jubilant culmination of the marathon concert, when M Robin Patricks (17), a plus two student of Saint John Vestry Higher Secondary School, completed his ambitious task of playing the keyboard non-stop for 72 hours.

The auditorium cheered, when Patricks completed his task, which was said to be the first ever attempt on a Keyboard.

He undertook the task to break the existing world record of 48 hours of non-stop playing.

Patricks, who showed his talent in music from the age of six, has performed over 500 stage concerts. He was trained under the guidance of a local musician J Victor when he was just four-years-old.

He had won awards like ''Yuvakala Bharathy'' from Madurai Bharathy Yuvakendra and ''Young Talent'' award.

A jury, comprising eminent personalities, monitored the marathon performance.

He was allowed to take rest for ten minutes after every one-hour and was under the observation of a medical team.

Patricks, however, told UNI that he would have preferred to take 30 minutes of rest after every three hours of playing.

On the second day, he developed low blood pressure. But it was brought under control by the medical team. He was advised to take a liquid diet.

Though Patricks seemed tired, he was jubilant as he finished the task at 1100 hrs today.

Attributing his success to Almighty, he thanked his schoolmates and other well wishers, who cheered and supported him.

He said video clippings and related documents of the feat would be submitted to the Guinness Book authorities.

He said he would dedicate the honor to his favourite President A P J Abdul Kalam.

UNI