Shirva man claims he can break record for dehusking coconut by teeth

Rajesh Prabhu from Shirva has been recognised under the category of fastest dehusking coconut by teeth, fingernails and bare feet by the World Records India.

Speaking to mediapersons, Rajesh said he could de-husk coconut with teeth in 22 seconds and the present Guinness Book of World Record is for 29 seconds by another person from Karnataka named Siddharaju.

He said he would like to take the challenge to get enrolled for the Guinness record, however the attempt needs at least Rs 15 lakh. He works as a tourist guide and was inspired by his father and also monkeys.

He attempted the adventure for the first time when he was 18-19 years old. His father was used to sometimes engage himself in de-husking coconut using teeth. He was also impressed by the monkeys that use teeth, finger nails and bare feet to de-husk coconut in his farm house. He said he attempted the adventure in 2001 for Limca World Records and was recognized with the acclaim. For the World Records India, he has attempted de-husking coconut using teeth in 22 seconds, using finger nails in 33 seconds and using bare feet in  46 seconds.

The technique using finger nails and bare feet is first of its kind, he said. However, the record holders for de-husking coconut using teeth are three in number across the globe, two are from Karnataka and one is from Indonesia excluding himself. He said he is also an expert in mirror image writing using both the hands. He is a frequent visitor at Taj Mohotsava held by the Uttar Pradesh government every year, he said.  He is the solo representative from Karnataka for the fest. He is capable of lifting 60 kilograms of weight using his teeth.

He is the recipient of Subhashchandra Bose national youth award and is the part of World Amazing Records.