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68-year fast, with no relief
An Indian man who says he has survived for 68 years without eating, drinking or relieving himself has baffled doctors who have been unable to disprove his claim. Prahlad Jani, a 76-year-old whose extraordinary tale has won him a small band of devotees, took a dare and underwent round-the-clock surveillance at a hospital in Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of the western state of Gujarat. Clad in his trademark red sari, bangles and earrings meant to fashion Hindu goddesses, Jani managed to puzzle the Sterling Hospitalâs 400 doctors. Neurologist Sudhir Shah said Jani was under watch for 10 days, with a closed-circuit camera running, and that doctors were convinced he did not break any of his vows, although there was no way of verifying whether Jani has pulled it off for 68 years. "He has evidence of the formation of urine, which was reabsorbed on his bladder wall. The medical committee does not have any scientific explanation," Shah said. Jani offered an explanation. He said he has been blessed and heard his calling when he was eight years old. "I get the elixir of life from the hole in my palate, which enables me to go without food and water," Jani explained to AFP. A vindicated Jani left the hospital Saturday and said he was retreating to a cave at Mount Abu in the neighbouring desert state of Rajasthan.
Posted by: Paul Moloney 2003-11-24 |
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