Man Hasn't Eaten...For 70 Years ,Prahlad Jani (also known as "Mataji")

Prahlad Jani (also known as "Mataji") was an Indian breatharian monk who became famous for his extraordinary claim that he had not eaten food or drunk water since 1940. He passed away in May 2020 at the supposed age of 90.

His case remains one of the most famous examples of Inedia (the alleged ability to live without food) in modern history. Here is a breakdown of his claims, the scientific investigations, and the skepticism surrounding them.

1. The Claim

Jani claimed that at the age of 11, the Hindu goddess Amba blessed him. He stated that he received sustenance through a hole in his palate, from which a "nectar" or "elixir" flowed, eliminating his need for food, water, or the toilet.

2. The Investigations

Because his claims defied the laws of biology and thermodynamics, he was subjected to two major observational studies in India.

• 2003 Investigation: Conducted at Sterling Hospital in Ahmedabad by Dr. Sudhir Shah (a neurologist) and a medical team. Jani was observed for 10 days. The doctors reported that he did not consume anything and did not pass urine or stool, though urine appeared to form in his bladder and was then reabsorbed by the body wall.

• 2010 Investigation: A more rigorous study conducted by the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), a wing of India's DRDO. Jani was observed for 15 days under CCTV surveillance.

  • The Result: The doctors reported that Jani did not eat, drink, or use the toilet during the two-week period. They found him to be in better health than most people half his age.

  • The Hypothesis: The researchers speculated he might have an extreme form of adaptation to starvation, which they hoped could help soldiers survive in desert conditions or astronauts in space.

3. The Skepticism and Scientific Consensus

Despite the "successful" observation periods, the broader global scientific community does not accept Jani's claim of fasting for 70 years. Here is why:

• Biological Impossibility: While humans can survive weeks without food, survival without water is usually limited to a few days (roughly 3–7 days, rarely up to 10-14 in extreme inactivity). 70 years is biologically impossible due to the laws of thermodynamics; the body consumes energy (calories) even at rest to keep the heart beating and cells functioning.

• Flaws in the Studies: Skeptics, particularly the Indian Rationalist Association (led by Sanal Edamaruku), pointed out critical flaws in the 2010 study:

  • Blind Spots: Jani was allowed to move out of the CCTV camera's range to meet devotees.

  • Bathing/Gargling: He was allowed to bathe and gargle water. Skeptics argue he could have easily ingested water during these times.

  • No Peer Review: The results of the studies were never published in a reputable, peer-reviewed scientific journal. They remain confidential or shared only via press releases, which prevents independent scientists from analyzing the raw data.

• "Closed Loop" Researchers: Critics noted that the same doctor (Dr. Sudhir Shah) was involved in studying other "breatharians" (like Hira Ratan Manek) and is a vocal believer in Jainist fasting philosophies, raising concerns about confirmation bias.

4. The Verdict

Prahlad Jani's case remains unproven by rigorous scientific standards.

While he may have demonstrated an impressive ability to suppress bodily functions or survive on minimal intake for short periods (10–15 days), there is no credible evidence to support the claim that he lived for 70 years without sustenance. Most independent experts believe he likely ate and drank surreptitiously during the unobserved moments of his life.