Knowledge without action won't give you results.
Knowledge without action won't give you results.
Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Gupta is the Director of OMG Book of Records. He founded this company just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. He clarifies that he was a professor in an engineering college until 2019, which is why he continues to use ‘Prof.’ as a prefix to his name.
Prof. Gupta says that though he never chased awards, he has been honored with over 151 awards. He shares that his achievements and awards include recognitions from the Maharashtra Government and the Government of India, for his work in social service, education and industrial fields. Recently, he became a member of the Rotary Club, and emphasizes that awards follow naturally when one focuses on doing good work. His notable awards also include the Shiksha Ratna Award and the Maharashtra Vaibhav Award.
Dr. Gupta says that, before founding OMG Book of Records, he explored various fields to determine the best area for him to enter. He has businesses in manufacturing too and manages nine businesses across various sectors, including education, coaching, and providing services to other companies.
Dr. Gupta states that while teaching in college, he used to run a Life Coaching business that involved traveling to different locations and visiting various organizations to motivate people about entrepreneurship, particularly women in the industrial sector and students seeking support from the Maharashtra government for their business ventures.
In spite of his success in motivating others, Prof. Gupta felt something amiss, and he yearned for his own manufacturing or service-oriented business. After much deliberation, he decided to launch his company, OMG Book of Records. He knew all the loopholes of the records registering industry as he had himself pursued the Limca Book of Records for several years to get his own record recognized. This inspired him to create his company to address those gaps.
After passing his 10th class in 1994 he, guided by his father, enrolled in ITI (Industrial Training Institute), a government-run program for specialized skills, where he pursued a Turner Course focused on manufacturing mechanical parts. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer with a specialization in Machine and Robotics Design. He was a gold medalist and worked in the robotics industry for nearly 14 years. He completed his M.Tech from IIT Mumbai and pursued various specialized courses, including PLC Automation, PLC Programmable Logic Control, and the functioning of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
He believes that even a small incident can transform a person's life. For him, passing the 10th grade was a significant achievement. After completing a precision course on lathe machines as part of his ITI training, he adhered to a philosophy of "earn and learn," balancing work with his studies. Prof. Gupta also cleared the RSP officer exam two years ago and is in the process of completing his LLB. His reflections on life are encapsulated in these lines he often recites
“जिन्दगी की असली उड़ान अभी बाकी है
जिन्दगी के कई इम्तिहान अभी बाकी है
अभी तो नापी है मुट्ठी भर जमीन हमने
अभी तो सारा आसमान बाकी है।”
Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh shares that initially, he didn’t have much interest in the ITI course. However, in 1996, at ITI Ambernath, a teacher’s inspiring words changed his perspective about life. The teacher said, “Not everyone studying in school can become a doctor or engineer, but everyone can become the doctors or engineers of their fields.” This line left a profound impact on him, sparking his motivation to excel and pursue his dreams.
He credits that statement as a life-changing moment for him, which completely changed his perspective. He realized that the truly poor are those without dreams, and the ones with dreams are the most powerful individuals in the world. Inspired by this realization, he set out to pursue his own dream. He started preparing for a diploma, enrolled in a diploma college, and graduated with two gold medals. Following this, he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering and completed his education with an M.Tech and PhD, ultimately becoming a "doctor" in the engineering field.
Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Gupta shares that a significant motivation for him came from reading the book ‘You Can Win’ by Shiv Khera. Even after 30 years, he continues to read and recommend this book to others which is available in various languages, as it has played a key role in his life. The book inspired his journey from ITI to IIT, and it motivated him to share his life experiences with others.
Regarding his professional journey, Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Gupta recalls that in 2011, he began teaching at an engineering college. After reflecting on his strengths, he realized his passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. He found immense joy in speaking and educating others, with his ability to talk about more than 2,500 subjects. Through motivational talks, he discovered that nothing in life is impossible, which inspired him to aim for records, eventually leading him to try for the Limca Book of Records.
After 11 years of persistence, Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Gupta successfully secured his name in the record books, which gave him a deep understanding of the process for record registrations. In 2019, he founded his own company, OMG Book of Records and resigned from his job at the college. However, the college has not yet accepted his resignation, and he continues as a guest speaker and lecturer.
The name "OMG" came to him unexpectedly during a pooja for Goddess Lakshmi. On the same day, he secured his first client, Krishna Murthi Acharya, a collector of items related to the number 786. Today, OMG Book of Records has authenticated records for over 1,300 individuals and has published five books. Prof. Gupta shares that the process for registering a record follows five key rules: the idea must be universal, the record should be breakable, safety measures must be followed, the record must convey a meaningful message, and it should be something anyone can break at any place.
Interested individuals can apply on the OMG Book of Records website, where detailed rules and regulations provide comprehensive information about the record registration process. The claim is processed by his office, following standard operating procedures (SOP). The process involves coordination with the head office and the manager, who assign tasks according to various specialties related to the records. After a thorough verification process, guidelines are provided, and upon successful completion of the attempt, the company awards a medal, certification, and a kit. There is a minimal charge for the kit and the whole process.
Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Gupta has written 28 books, including two bestselling titles. His writing journey started in 2006, following his post-graduation from IIT Mumbai, when he felt that his journey was uniquely different. He had a habit of writing motivational quotes in a diary, which inspired him to publish his first book, "Vijayi Bhava," based on the principles outlined in "You Can Win."
Wanting to present the first copy of his book to former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Gupta visited the President's residence, handed the book to a security officer, and attached a letter addressed to the President with it. A week later, he was pleasantly surprised when he received a heartfelt letter from Dr. Kalam, commending him for his work and encouraging him to continue his efforts. This interaction filled him with joy and provided positive feedback regarding his company, which aims to ignite the potential of young stars.
This motivational exchange prompted him to write new books each year, continuously accepting the challenge to produce literature daily. He claims he has the knowledge of 10,500 books in his mind and so he is compelled to write books to share that knowledge. To enhance his knowledge, he frequently orders books from Amazon, reads them, and shares them with others. Through writing, he seeks to transfer knowledge from his mind to the pages of his books, ensuring that valuable insights are preserved and shared.
Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Gupta announces that his next book, titled "Taj Hotel me Vada Pav," is set to be published on September 22, 2024, at the Taj Hotel. This book will explore the history, present significance, and future potential of ‘vada pav’, a popular Indian street food. In addition to this upcoming release, he has three more books in the pipeline. He reveals that, though he uses ChatGPT for assistance, he finds that it sometimes lacks the emotional depth he seeks in the writing, leading him to opt out of using it.
His personal connection to ‘vada pav’ is significant, as it ties him back to his father, who used to sell the dish. This familial relationship with the popular food item has fueled his extensive research on the topic. Moreover, he is contemplating pursuing a Ph.D. focused on vada pav at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalaya in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, but the institution is not currently offering this subject for doctoral studies.
Prof. Gupta has written books on a diverse array encompassing various subjects, including business and motivation. He has written numerous volumes in Hindi, as well as one dedicated to October 2nd, Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. About 200 copies of this particular book have been handwritten, illustrating his commitment to his craft, even incorporating drawings.
Additionally, his book "Set Your Money Mindset," encourages readers to align their emotions and attitudes towards money and wealth management. He also wrote "Safalta Chalisa" and most recently "Aparichit Ram," a copy of which he presented to Dipika Chikhlia, known for her portrayal of Sita in the old Ramayana series. He also presented one of his books to actor Amitabh Bachchan. In 2009, Prof. Dinesh published "Dainik Jeevan Mein Bhagavad Gita," a book aimed at explaining how the Bhagavad Gita can be applied to daily life.
According to Prof. Gupta, writers are like mothers who nurture a baby for nine months. Similarly, writers feel a deep connection with their books, creating them from their "womb” , the brain so that their knowledge and stories are shared with the world. He usually writes small books and acknowledges that writing smaller books has its drawbacks but considers it an important part of his journey.
Born in Thane district's Kalyan city, Prof. Gupta is now recognized not only in Kalyan but across 15 countries where he has conducted his programs. His childhood was modest, and he worked as a tailor from 7th to 9th grade. One of his cousins continues to pursue tailoring while he has ventured down a different path.
Prof. Gupta believes that every person he has come across in life has taught him a valuable lesson. However, when it comes to his role models, he considers Shiv Khera as his biggest role model, whom he considers the biggest motivator. He admires Shiv Khera so much that he has bought three copies of Khera’s book "You Can Win," which profoundly influenced him when he first read it in 1997.
In addition to Shiv Khera, Prof. Gupta admires Robert Toru Kiyosaki, the author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad," and Burke Hedges, the writer of "You, Inc. Discover the CEO Within." He credits Robert Toru Kiyosaki for inspiring him to start his own company and for helping him understand the true meaning of wealth. Prof. Gupta runs a course focused on cultivating a healthy mindset and wealth management and also acknowledges the influence of spiritual texts books like the Bhagavad Gita and Hanuman Chalisa in his life.
Once, while traveling, he penned a poem for the first page of his book. He considers that poem as an inspiring mantra. The poem is:
“कई गज़ मिट्टी में कोयले सा पाया गया
डरा नहीं अग्नि से तप्त हुआ, तप्त हुआ
एक दिन हीरा बनकर सामने वो आ गया”
These lines suggest that when God presents challenges, it is an opportunity for transformation, much like coal becoming a diamond. Therefore, one should not curse God during tough times, as these hardships are meant for personal growth and improvement.
He also appreciates a quote by Shiv Khera “जीतने वाले कोई अलग काम नहीं करते, वे काम को एक अलग ढंग से करते हैं।”
Prof. Gupta loves to recite a poem by Vikas Bansal:
“मुठ्ठी में कुछ सपने लेकर, भरकर जेबों में आशाएं ।
दिल में है अरमान यही, कुछ कर जाएं… कुछ कर जाएं…
सूरज-सा तेज़ नहीं मुझमें, दीपक-सा जलता देखोगे ।
सूरज-सा तेज़ नहीं मुझमें, दीपक-सा जलता देखोगे…
अपनी हद रौशन करने से, तुम मुझको कब तक रोकोगे…तुम मुझको कब तक रोकोगे…
मैं उस माटी का वृक्ष नहीं जिसको नदियों ने सींचा है…
मैं उस माटी का वृक्ष नहीं जिसको नदियों ने सींचा है …
बंजर माटी में पलकर मैंने…मृत्यु से जीवन खींचा है… ।
मैं पत्थर पर लिखी इबारत हूँ… मैं पत्थर पर लिखी इबारत हूँ ..
शीशे से कब तक तोड़ोगे..
मिटने वाला मैं नाम नहीं… तुम मुझको कब तक रोकोगे… तुम मुझको कब तक रोकोगे
He conveys a message to all youngsters that first, determine in your mindset what you want to achieve in life. He says, there is no droplet that cannot become a river,(ऐसा कौन सा कतरा है जो दरिया नहीं बन सकता) and no job is too small to reach great heights. Success can be achieved in various professions; whether one is selling tea, driving a taxi, or selling everyday items like combs and mirrors, each can lead to success, just like Johnny Lever. One can rise to fame, like Rajnikanth, by driving a bus or can become Amitabh Bachchan through radio broadcasting. Every profession has its unique success story.
He emphasizes that no work should be deemed small or insignificant, echoing Shiv Khera's sentiment about valuing every task. Never view any work as small or big; even Shiv Khera now owns all the cars he once used to wash.
Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Gupta observes that many youngsters lack direction in their lives. Successful individuals typically have a clear goal. Oprah Winfrey's interviews with successful Americans reveal one thing common in all successful people, and that is that they all had a fixed goal in life. Once your life’s goal is defined, no force in the world can prevent one from achieving success. He encourages everyone to strive towards their goals with the belief that every element in this world will support them in their pursuit.
Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Gupta encourages youngstars to become action-takers rather than simply harboring thoughts without execution. He emphasizes that the Bhagavad Gita imparts a crucial lesson: all knowledge is futile without action. Those who take initiative can reach great heights in life.
Prof. Dinesh also quotes a famous dialogue from Shahrukh Khan’s film Om Shanti Om: 'इतनी शिद्दत से मैंने तुम्हें पाने की कोशिश की है... कि हर ज़र्रे ने मुझे तुमसे मिलाने की साज़िश की है। कहते हैं, अगर किसी चीज़ को दिल से चाहो, तो पूरी कायनात तुम्हें उससे मिलाने की कोशिश में लग जाती है।'
Furthermore, he advises maintaining an attitude of gratitude in all situations. He emphasizes not to criticize one’s life or circumstances but instead to express gratitude for them. By acknowledging the positive aspects of life, such as books, water, food, and everything one has, one can profoundly change their perspective. He has witnessed the practical benefits of cultivating gratitude and shares these insights from his experiences, urging others to start thanking everything in life.
Prof. Gupta also highlights that serving one’s nation does not solely mean being on the front lines; not everyone can go to the borders. He encourages serving in other ways, such as helping others in any possible manner. Every contribution counts toward the greater good, reinforcing the notion that service comes in various forms.
“अपना ग़म ले के कहीं और न जाया जाए
घर में बिखरी हुई चीज़ों को सजाया जाए
घर से मस्जिद है बहुत दूर चलो यूँ कर लें
किसी रोते हुए बच्चे को हँसाया जाए”
Prof. (Dr.) Dinesh Gupta emphasizes that serving the nation can take many forms, such as purchasing indigenous goods, helping fellow citizens, speaking positively about the country, or even locating a missing child. He urges everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in their contributions to society.
He encourages individuals to give 100% effort in everything they undertake and to incorporate innovation in their work. He thinks, for those seeking promotions, implementing innovative ideas can significantly advance their careers. If anyone feels they possess unique talents, Prof. Gupta assures them that his team is ready to assist. Interested individuals can visit the OMG Book of Records website and fill out a form to showcase their talents.
He highlights that talent can sometimes become obscured or may need a platform to be recognized. For those looking to publish their achievements, he invites them to connect with OMG Book of Records. Additionally, individuals can find further information on talent recognition by visiting the Dinesh Gupta World Record YouTube channel or by searching on Google.