Readers across the country can join a worldwide initiative aiming to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most people reading online in 12 hours
5 October 2026: Readers across India are being invited to take 10 minutes out of their day for a global celebration of reading, as the British Council joins a worldwide initiative on October 8 that aims to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most people reading online in 12 hours.
The campaign is part of the UK’s National Year of Reading and encourages people to make reading a daily habit by simply taking 10 minutes to pick up a book or read something they enjoy. Those unable to attend in person can also join the virtual Take 10 to Read sessions featuring renowned authors and readers from across the world. The sessions, tailored to different age groups, will include a dedicated 10-minute reading experience and will be repeated throughout the day to allow participation across time zones. Event details — Kolkata What: Take 10 to Read and be part of a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title When: Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Children’s session: 10am–12pm; Adults’ session: 2pm–4pm Where: British Council, 16 Camac Street, L&T Chambers, Kolkata 700017 Event details — New Delhi What: Take 10 to Read and be part of a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title When: Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Children’s session: 10am–12pm; Adults’ session: 2pm–4pm Where: British Council, 17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110092 You use AI every day.
Organised in partnership with the UK’s National Literacy Trust, the initiative will bring together students, teachers, families and communities across the world through a shared reading experience. In India, participants can join sessions at British Council centres in New Delhi and Kolkata, or take part virtually through online sessions designed for different age groups. From fiction and poetry to comics, magazines and sports coverage, the initiative highlights how even a short reading break can spark curiosity, support wellbeing and open up new worlds. In Kolkata and New Delhi, the British Council will host dedicated sessions for schoolchildren, young learners, college students and adults. Participants will be able to read together, interact with fellow readers and contribute to the global record attempt. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.