Benny Prasad is a gospel musician and instrumental guitarist from India. He designed the Bentar which is the world's first bongo guitar. He also holds the world record for being the fastest man ever to visit all 195 countries in the world. Prasad has traveled all around the world performing to audiences. He has performed before presidents and parliaments, before the crowds of 2007 military world games, 2006 FIFA world cup and the 2004 Olympic games. Prasad has also won renown by designing two guitars – the world's first bongo guitar and a 54 string guitar, the bentar. He has traveled to over 194 sovereign countries and 51 dependent countries in 6 years, 6 months and 22 days, and is therefore the fastest man ever to visit all 257 countries in the world.
Early life
Born on 6 August 1975, in Bangalore, India, Benny Prasad studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya National Aerospace Laboratories. His father, a scientist at the National Aerospace Laboratories, spent a lot of time trying to drill mathematics and science into Benny. He was expected to excel in his studies and to set an example for his younger brother and sisters. Soon Benny excelled in forgery and expertise in the art of lying, having a fiery and explosive temper. As a young person he developed severe asthma which required him to take cortisone steroids and resulted in rheumatoid arthritis, 60% lung damage and a weakened immune system. Finding no fulfillment in life, Benny soon became depressed and his behavior continued to worsen and he attempted suicide at the age of 16. Benny's mother convinced him to go to a retreat center. Benny joined Youth with a Mission and completed a Discipleship Training School and School of Biblical Studies in Bangalore, India. After completing a School of Music in Missions in New Mexico, USA and a School of Events Management in Townsville, Australia, Benny received an Associate of Arts degree through YWAM's University of the Nations. Benny says, 'If I could be made useful, anyone in this world can. If my dreams can come true, yours can too. My sin and shame has been exchanged for righteousness and new life by the Almighty GOD JESUS CHRIST to set me free.'
Timeline
Soon after graduation Benny was invited to perform as a guest artist at the Orchid Festival in Singapore where the President of Singapore was the chief guest.
In 2003 Benny graduated from the University of the Nations. The graduation was held in Singapore in Sept. 2003.
26 Dec 2004 – Benny performed at the Christmas Celebrations at the 100 ft Christmas Tree in the heart of Singapore on Orchid Street. In fact Benny recalls that this was a last minute invitation which Benny accepted. Due to this event he postponed his flight to Sri Lanka/ Bangalore. Because he was supposed to stay in the hotel on the beach in Colombo on the 26th and it was the same day the tsunami hit.
In 2004, Benny performed at the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece. He performed for the Welcoming of the South African Athletes & Delegates, as well as at the Cultural Stages and the Museum for the Press Conference.
In Nov 2006 Benny performed with the instrumentalist, Pedro Eustache at the Nations to Nations Celebration in Amsterdam.
In July 2006 Benny performed at various cultural stages at the Fifa World Cup in Germany including this one which was one of the official stages for the launch in Iserlohn.
In June 2006 Benny spoke in some of the classes in Liberty University, USA as well as performed at the Convocation
In Feb. 2006 Benny was awarded as one of the ten stalwarts of the 25 years of Kendriya Vidyalaya NAL School. He was felicitated by Sri V. Mahadevan, Chairman of Indian Satellite Research Organisation. Benny spoke to the audience saying that it was the same school that he was called useless and worthless for the nine years he studied there. He gives the credit and glory to God for redeeming his past.
Jan 2006 Benny entered into the Limca Book of Records as the "Most traveled Indian Musician"
In July 2007 Benny performed at Indus in Bangkok organized by Artists Society. One of them who attended was Rabe'e Oskoee, an Iranian Comedian/Actress.
