Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh – On March 2, 2025, New York Times bestselling author Prem Rawat, alongside Indian author Vipul Rikhi, set a new Guinness World Record for the largest audience at a multiple-author book reading, attracting an astonishing 133,234 attendees. The event, organized by local charity Raj Vidya Kender in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, India, shattered the previous record of 20,264—held by J.K. Rowling and two Canadian authors since 2000—by an incredible margin of nearly 113,000.
Prem Rawat, a New York Times bestselling author known for “Hear Yourself: How to Find Peace in a Noisy World”, read excerpts first from his latest book, “Breath: Wake Up to Life”, published in English by Pan Macmillan and then in Hindi by HarperCollins India:
“Breath comes into you and you are alive. The power that ripples through the whole universe comes through you in the form of the breath, and makes it possible for you to be. Turn within, feel this breath. This is the most incredible miracle there is! The source of the joy that you want is inside of you, not outside.”
Joining him, Vipul Rikhi read to the crowd with selections from his book “Drunk on Love, a poetic exploration of Kabir’s work”, also published by HarperCollins India. One of the inspiring couplet meaning he read:
‘Swans swans mei namm le, virtha swans mat khoye
Na jaane is svaans ka phir aavan hoye na hoye’
Remember the Name in each breath, don’t let a single breath go in vain
who knows if in the next moment, another breath will come again.
This achievement marks Prem Rawat’s 3rd Guinness World Record. In 2023, he set records for the largest audience at a single-author book reading (114,704 attendees) and the largest attendance at a lecture (375,603 attendees). His latest record underscores the enduring global appeal of his message of peace and inspiration, drawing massive crowds in India and beyond.
“We’re thrilled to witness such an overwhelming response,” said Lohit Sharma, representing Raj Vidya Kender and international sponsor Words of Peace Global. “This event reflects the power of Prem Rawat’s message to inspire humanity towards peace which is so much needed in this world today.”
Author’s Profiles.
Prem Rawat
From boy prodigy, 70’s teenage icon, New York Times bestselling author, and two Guinness World Records holder, Prem Rawat has brought exceptional clarity, inspiration and deep life learning to millions. Prem had his first speech published in his native India at the age of just 4 years old. Now based in the United States, but touring internationally 9 months every year, Prem Rawat works with people from all walks of life, showing them how to experience the source of peace within themselves. His global efforts span over 100 countries, bringing a practical message of hope, happiness, and peace to all, one person at a time.
Prem Rawat is the New York Times bestselling author of “Hear Yourself: How to Find Peace in a Noisy World” and the creator of the highly successful Peace Education Program now used in 87 countries. He holds 2 Guinness World Records, for largest audience at a single author book reading of 114,704, and the largest audience at a lecture of 375,603 people.
His new book “Breath: Wake Up to Life” is published by St. Martin’s/Pan MacMillans in English and Harper Collins India in Hindi and is read at the latest world record attempt for the largest audience at a multiple author book reading.
Prem is a fixed and rotor wing pilot, with over 15000 hours experience. He is a keen photographer, cook, classic car restorer, and a father to four children and grandfather of four.
Vipul Rikhi
Vipul Rikhi is a writer, singer, poet, storyteller and translator, immersed in the oral traditions of Kabir and other Bhakti and Sufi poets for over a decade. He is the author of several books of poetry, fiction and translation. His most recent books are “One Palace, a Thousand Doorways”.
His book ‘Drunk on Love’, published by Harper Collins India, is based on the poetry of Kabir’ and is read in conjunction with Prem Rawat, for the world record attempt for the largest audience at a multiple author book reading.
