Hemant Joshi, a three-time World Memory Champion and six-time Indian National Memory Champion, recently undertook the ambitious challenge of memorising 5,000 random digits for the Guinness Book of Records. Kristian Harrison spoke with him to find out more about his incredible achievements and methods.
“It had always been my ardent wish to do a demo in Bahrain in front of a live audience,” Mr. Joshi says. “I knew the stakes were high and the preparation was excruciating, but the desire to test my neurons was irresistible. On the day of the event, despite initial trepidation, a sense of calm prevailed and upon completing it I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude.”
Mr. Joshi’s memory techniques are rooted in ancient practices. “The most basic technique in memorising is to convert abstract data into concrete terms, mainly images, and place them in different locations,” he explains. This method, known as the ‘memory palace’, involves creating organised memory locations and using a coding system to store and recall data efficiently. “It is important to move inside your memory palace swiftly while simultaneously coding and decoding the data,” he adds.
Preparation for such feats requires rigorous training. “Before any major national or international championship, I normally spend four-to-five hours a day for a couple of months,” Mr. Joshi reveals. He utilises idle time, such as while on a treadmill or waiting in queues, to practice memory techniques. “There are three secrets to being an expert in any field: practice, practice and practice,” he says.
“There is no such thing as good memory and bad memory. There is only trained and untrained memory. Start with baby steps, then seek expert training and find a good mentor. For children, early introduction to memory training can significantly improve grades and career prospects,” he believes.
Remaining motivated in memory training, which Joshi describes as a “lonely sport,” is challenging. “It requires hard work, perseverance and loads of patience,” he notes. “You must set priorities and manage time effectively amidst numerous distractions.”
Mr. Joshi’s expertise as an NLP trainer has been instrumental in sharpening his sensory acuity and managing internal resources like creativity, confidence, conviction and courage. Memorising and recalling ability, he believes, is an interplay of all five human senses.
As a professional speaker, Mr. Joshi prioritises the audience’s interests. “A good speaker treats audiences’ interests as paramount,” he argues. “It’s vitally important when learning memory techniques to perform confidently without relying heavily on notes or slides. Adding humour to your speech has a lasting impact too,” he adds.
His published literary contributions include From Survival to Significance: A Journey, a biography of the late Abdulla Nass, and Success at Your Doorsteps: It’s Knocking, a self-help book. He incorporates learnings from his education, experiences and NLP techniques in his writing.
Balancing his demanding fields, Mr. Joshi emphasises the symbiotic relationship between personal and professional lives. “It is not just working hard that is enough; we need to work smartly,” he notes. He finds inspiration in biographies and religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. He also credits his friend, Vikrantdada Chaphekar, for sustaining his interest in memory training.
Looking ahead, Mr. Joshi is working on a book on memory enhancement aimed at students, professionals, public speakers and elderly citizens, which he hopes to publish by March 2025. He also plans to publish a fiction manuscript next year and institutionalise training on soft skills development.
“I personally believe that God has given me a lot more than I truly deserve,” he concludes, whilst expressing gratitude to his well-wishers, trainers, mentors and friends for their love, guidance and encouragement. “I feel truly blessed.”
