Vijaypat Singhania enters Guinness Book

MUMBAI: Industrialist and aviator Vijaypat Singhania, who set a world record by becoming the first person to fly in a hot air balloon to a height of 21,027 metres, has received a certificate from the Guinness Book of Records acknowledging his feat.

On November 26, 2005, Singhania flew in a balloon to a height of 21,027 m above sea level, breaking the then world record of 19,811 meters.

On receiving the ratification from the Guinness Book,Singhania said in a statement: "I always wanted to do something that would bring glory to my country. I hope this recognition inspires many more Indians to achieve national and international fame."

In 2006, Singhania was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the government in recognition of his feat of flying to a high altitude in a hot air balloon.