Rahul Dravid, Kiran Karnik new Limca People of the Year

Cricketer Rahul Dravid and IT czar Kiran Karnik were on a list of Indian achievers named in the Limca Books of Records, 2010, unveiled here Monday in three languages.

The achievements covered a wide range of disciplines ranging from physical feats, sports, creative arts, environment, business and social interest projects in 21 chapters with photographs.

The book launched in 1990 has 10,000 feats and 6,000 new records in this edition.

Six eminent Indians -- Anand Mahindra of Mahindra & Mahindra; Rahul Dravid, former captain of the Indian cricket team; Kiran Karnik, former president of NASSCOM; Anjolie Ela Menon, leading contemporary artist; Justice JS Verma, former chief justice of India; and Lalitha Regi, human rights activist -- and Shankar Netralaya, leading non-profit eye care institution, were declared Limca People of the Year.

The achievers of the year were chosen by MP HK Dua and professor Dipankar Gupta. They were introduced by host Barry O'Brien.

Bangalore-based scientist Ramesh Babu, the holder of 39 Limca records since 1991 - the highest so far - was presented two tickets for the FIFA World Cup final in South Africa to be played July 12.

The feats are amazing. Sample this: 10-year-old Yash Mukhija, the youngest among three generations of professional magicians has been performing complex tricks blindfolded since he was two-and-half years old.

Yash, who has 25 magic acts in his repertoire, can cycle, play cricket, assemble toys and pass thread through the eye of the needle blindfolded.

G. Lele of Pune has collected 40 letters from different heads of states in a period of two months between March and May 2009 while former Union minister Arjun Singh's biographer Vihsnu Rajoria holds the record for the longest biography of the politician in eight volumes. Such milestones are galore, each more difficult than the other.

"India has a minefield of talent and we try to recognise their talent in the Limca Book of Records. The compendium over the years has become a valued source of infotainment celebrating the achievements of Indians," said Atul Singh, president and CEO of Cola Cola India that publishes the volume.

The special television capsule on the book made by Siddharth Kak and team by National Geographic under its heritage series will premiere globally in a couple of months.

The publisher plans to host Limca Book of Records Quiz across 100 schools in the country involving 3,500 students to promote knowledge and foster the spirit of innovation.