In Gujarat, western India, residents cannot be unaware of the “holy man” Prahlad Jani. Born in August 1929, this elderly man once shared that he was “blessed by the goddess from a young age, allowing him to survive without food or drink.” His life in Charada village was solely dedicated to practicing yoga and meditation. On May 26, news outlets reported that this 91-year-old man had passed away. According to neighbors, Prahlad Jani died after being taken to the hospital at midnight.
His body was taken to a temple in Ambaji, where he dedicated himself to building a monastery during his life. Neighbors of Jani further shared that his body was kept at the monastery for 2 days before cremation was scheduled for May 28. Currently, authorities have not been able to verify the claim of “not eating or drinking for 70 years” that Jani made in 2010. However, doctors assert that a person’s organs would suffer severe damage without the intake of nutrients from food and drink.
But even if the claims of “not eating or drinking” seem hard to believe, a study conducted by Indian military doctors in 2010 over two weeks with Jani’s participation showed that the impossible became possible. Through surveillance cameras and various body tests (heart, lungs, organs, blood vessels), doctors confirmed that the elderly man did not consume food or use the restroom. The only times Jani needed water were for rinsing his mouth and bathing.
Neuroscientist Sudhir Shar stated that he cannot explain how this elderly man managed to live comfortably during that time.