Pencils studded with Swarovski crystals and plated in 22-karat gold and even ones made of recycled newspaper, these are some of the unique items in the 19,000-plus pencil collection of Delhi boy Tushar Lakhanpal who, after making it to the Limca Book of Records, is now eyeing an entry in the Guinness World Records.
A class XII student of DPS Vasant Kunj, Tushar has a total of 19,824 pencils in his collection gathered from more than 40 countries across the world.
"The London-based office of Guinness World Records has given its approval and detailed counting was done as per their strict norms, including full video recording and photography and certification by a representative of a pencil manufacturing company, a government official and a senior person from public life," said 17-year-old Tushar.
Uruguayan Emilio Arenas is the current holder of the Guinness record for the largest pencil collection with a total of 16,260 pencils.
Tushar, who wishes to start a pencil museum and display his collection there, said, "I have been collecting pencils since I was three years old. I used to put away pencils that I would receive as gifts and was particular about collecting pencils of different kinds.
"That habit soon turned into a passionate hobby which was encouraged by my family and friends."
His collection has been featured in the Limca Book of Records in 2009, 2010 and 2012 and remains unbeaten therein.
In his collection are pencils of various sizes, the smallest being 3cm, as well as a pencil that is 8ft 3in long.
Clutch pencils, colour pencils, scented pencils, pencils with different caps and figures, wooden pencils, handmade paper pencils and recycled newspaper pencils are also part of his impressive collection.
He also has a variety of Swarovski-studded pencils. Another is painted in 22-karat gold and Tushar claimed that there are two others once used by a Queen of England, which he said were the "most precious and close to my heart".
