 Pothys makes world's longest saree
 The world's longest saree - all of 1,276 ft - has been produced by Chennai-based Pothys, and this has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, says S Ramesh, the managing partner of the textile house.
Dedicating the silk saree to Mother India, Ramesh said the saree is a symbol of patriotism and national integration and a mark of respect to the freedom fighters. "This is indeed a great day in the annals of Pothys. I am happy to announce that Pothys have entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest saree ever made. In fact, this saree has several other distinctions as well." The 1,276 ft saree depicts the history of India during the last five millennia.
 A communication from the GWR, dated 12. 07. 2005, says: "Congratulations. Your record has been accepted as an official Guinness World Record".
This silk saree has paintings depicting the history of India from the Mohanjadaro-Harappa period to the freedom struggle, concluding with the country's Independence. It traces the history of India from Mohanjadaro-Harappa, Rama Era, Krishna Era, Buddha, Mahavira, Maurya, Chera, Chola, Pandyas, Rajputs, Moghuls down to the country's freedom struggle.
The saree has intricately woven original gold zari and depicts exquisite monuments of India including the Parliament building, Taj Mahal, Charminar, the Qutub Minar, Thanjavur temple, Amritsar Golden Temple and the Egmore church, among others. It also contains paintings of dance and music performances and other aspects of social and cultural life of the people belonging to this period.
The saree also has folk hand-paintings, miniatures of the important events in the country and portraits of Bharath Mata, Mahatma Gandhi, Tiruvalluvar, Swami Vivekananda and the globe.
The saree has been produced in a single piece measuring 1,276 ft in length and 4 ft in width. The saree was woven by three master weavers, six weavers and nine painters, all belonging to
Pothys.
This unusual creation, which is a result of original designing and painstaking hard work, is indeed a remarkable milestone in the annals of the country's rich handloom industry.
 Tamil Nadu Governor Surjeet Singh Barnala formally launched the saree at a simple function at the Raj Bhavan, Chennai, recently. The Governor praised the efforts that had gone into the making of the saree and lauded the distinction.
Pothys have already received the ISO 9001 - International Standard for quality. "We have also won two awards from the Government of India - the National Award for Master Weavers and the Silk Mark Distinction. A survey conducted by a local TV channel and by an international consultancy firm found Pothys as the most popular silk showroom in Chennai," Ramesh added.
Pothys, which had its origin 90 years ago in Srivilliputhur, has four centres in Tamil
Nadu.
 Ramesh said the concept of making the world's longest saree first emerged a year ago, and ever since work had been going on quietly. "For a year, we have been working on this at Arni as the required weavers and designers are available there," Rmaesh said, adding that the saree would be available for public viewing for a month, after which it would be taken round educational institutions to inculcate a feeling of patriotism and national integration among the student community.
The saree weighs 40 kg and has a large chunk of zari, costing the firm Rs 22 lakh in all. Ramesh said, "We at Pothys are planning to use the designs of the excellent oil paintings depicting important events in the country's history in the pallus (mundhanai) of a new set of sarees that will hit the market soon. We are sure the pallus with the ingenious designs will stir the market."
R Rangaraj
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