Chandra Bahadur Dangi, one of the most iconic
record holders to have graced the pages of the Guinness World Records
book, sadly passed away earlier this month.
The Nepalese record holder was a
primordial dwarf, a condition that rarely sees people survive past
thirty, but Mr Dangi remarkably lived for 75 years and touched the world
with his strength and spirit.
At 54.6 cm (21.5 in) tall, and
weighing just 14.5 kg (31 lb 15.52 oz), Chandra held the prestigious
title of Shortest man living, and remains the Shortest man ever following an
official measurement at the CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center in
Lainchaur, Kathmandu, Nepal on 26 February 2012.
Until his recognition by Guinness
World Records, Chandra had spent his entire life in the remote Nepalese
mountain village of Rhimkholi, about 250 miles west of Kathmandu. He
lived there with his five brothers (all of an average height) and made
his living weaving traditional Nepalese garments.
Chandra's home was so remote that
it wasn't until a forest contractor cutting timber in the village met
him and informed local media that his incredible size came to light.
Recalling the historic moment
Chandra was recognised as the shortest man on record, Craig Glenday,
Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records says:
“I had the honour of accepting Mr
Dangi’s invite to Kathmandu in 2012 to oversee his official
measurements. It was there that we stood in front of the world’s press
and announced his position as not only the shortest man living but the
shortest man ever measured in the 60-year history of Guinness World
Records.
“His life changed immeasurably
after his record was confirmed – he was showered with gifts and
invitations overseas, and he became an instant global celebrity. He
handled the media frenzy in his stride, and while he enjoyed the
accolade and recognition, he also understood what it meant for everyone
in Nepal to celebrate this iconic record.
Speaking at the time of Craig's
visit in 2012, Chandra said: "I'm very happy that I'm being recognised
by Guinness World Records and that my name will be written in the book.
It's a big thing for my family, my village and my country. I am very
happy.”
Above: Chandra alongside
Guinness World Records adjudicator Marco Frigatti and the Shortest
woman living Jyoti Amge (62.8 cm).
Chandra said that his Guinness
World Records recognition meant he “actually got the opportunity to
visit many places over the whole world, and meet many people”, adding
that that the love that was shown to him was immensely important to him.
In an extraordinary moment last
year, Chandra met fellow record-holder Sultan Kosan – the Tallest
man living (251 cm and four and a half times the size of
Chandra).
Speaking this week from his home in
Turkey, Sultan told of his sorrow upon learning of Chandra's passing.
"The news of Chandra's death saddens me deeply, may my fellow world
record holder rest in peace".
He
may now no longer be with us, but Craig says Chandra certainly made a
huge impact around the world.
“Mr
Dangi was the perfect ambassador for his country, always gracious and
dignified, and happy to pose for photographs and share anecdotes about
living his life at half a metre tall. Everyone at GWR is terribly sad to
hear of his passing and sent our heartfelt condolences to Mr Dangi’s
family.”
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