Wednesday, February 23 2005 14:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: He had a penchant for carving from childhood much to the chagrin of his parents. But the adamant boy remained unfazed and continued his hobby that has now propelled him into the Guinness book of world records.

That is the story of 24-year-old C Mallikarjun Reddy, who achieved the feat of carving 28 links on a single toothpick.

Reddy who hails from Thoppanahally in Kolar district had not dreamt that one day he would hog the limelight and create a record for the piece of intricate carvings.

Reddy says, "I started this hobby when I was in second standard using chalk pieces that were available easily in school."

But Reddy's mother Akayamma was annoyed over her son's hobby and at times had even beat him warning against continuing the carvings.

After the authorities of Guinness book of world records refused to recognise his carving talent made on chalk pieces, Reddy chose toothpick, as a record stood in the name of Bob Shamey of America, who had carved 17 links on this miniature in 1993.

Yesterday (Feb 22, 2005) before a representative of the Indian branch of Guinness, Reddy took five-hours to carve 28 links on a single toothpick with 66 millimetre length and 2 mm in diameter.

The arduous task and patient wait has fulfilled his dream now.