India boasts the world’s second fastest-growing economy and its second biggest populous. It’s home to the world’s oldest temples, fanciest resorts and tastiest restaurants (including Bill Clinton’s favorite).

But, just yesterday, once and for all, they finally hoisted themselves onto the world stage. And all it took was a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

By the powers that be — in this case, Irish master-brewers, Guinness, and their Book of World Records — the subcontinent was honored with the record for “World’s Longest Singing Marathon by Multiple Singers.” They went through 1,711 singers, 645 songs and 44 groups in 40 straight hours, ousting the obviously lackluster 36-hour performance by the less-enterprising Brazilians of 2004.

Admittedly a little drained after their lollipop-you-don’t-stop session, these Splenda-sipping singers can at least savor their next cup of tea knowing that this — India’s 973rd and most pivotal Guinness record — will, according to local official Malwin De Souza, give their culture “a unified presence on the world stage.”

Tell me China, O Number-One Fastest Growing Economy in the World, what have you done for me lately!? While you’re at it, why don’t you tell Guinness, too, huh?

• Deccan Herald
• OhMyNews: Manglore Group Sets Guinness Record
• Limca Book of Records