Father Creates World Record To Teach Son About Indian Culture
Now, this is one story you just cannot beat! Abu Dhabi-based father, Mohammed Thahir and his 5-year-old son were part of an adrenaline-pumping world record in India, where they managed to visit the most number of UNESCO world heritage sites in less than 12 hours using public transport!
The father-son duo visited seven different heritage sites in India and traveled nearly 300km in precisely 11 hours, 33 minutes and 18 seconds recently. The spots covered were the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Keoladeo National Park, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar.
The father-son duo were a part of a group of 22 people from the India-based Expeditions and Transcend Adventures firm, where they had aimed to cover the most UNESCO world heritage sites in 12 hours by public transport – in an effort to promote sustainable mobility.
Mohammed Thahir is a 36-year-old IT professional based in Abu Dhabi. He wanted to undertake this world record feat with his five-year-old son, Mohammed Aayan, to teach him about perseverance and the culture of their home country, India.
“I was exhausted due to the hot and humid climate and so was Aayan to an extent, but liquid intake at regular intervals helped overcome it,” Thahir said to Khaleej Times. “Aayan surprised all of us by walking alone in the last stretch of 2.5km to reach the final destination (Qutub Minar).”
“The journey was completed using electric rickshaws, autos, cabs, public buses, trains and Metro, and also with brisk walks and running,” Thahir said. “Public transportation is the best way to know more about the country during travel.”
He said dehydration was the biggest challenge they faced while trying to set the world record. However, they remained optimistic and resilient as they moved forward to the next heritage site.
The only time they rested was when they waited for a train or bus to arrive, which also gave them time to eat. “The waiting time for our transport means at each location gave us minimal breaks, and we just relaxed during our train journey to Delhi from Bharatpur, where we had our breakfast. We couldn’t sleep at all,” he said.
Thahir believes this experience was an educational one for his son, as he was able to learn about the heritage sites in India. “It’s essential for future generations to know about the culture sights as we are losing that with today’s fast world moving to digital. My son also learned more about public transport.”
