Hira Ratan Manek, the researcher of the method of solar healing who set a record for spending 411 days without solid food, passed away at the age of 85 in Kozhikode, Kerala, on March 13. He was remembered by city-based physicians who had carried out a number of tests on him.
“Manek had founded the ‘Hira Ratan Manek Phenomenon’ that propagated the idea of sun gazing for health without the intake of food. He had earned a spot in the Guinness Book of Records for not eating anything for 411 days straight in 2001. I had led a team of 24 doctors and physicians to monitor this feat,” said city-based neuro physician Sudhir Shah.
Shah said that the team carried out a number of tests and the results showed him to be a person of normal health. Shah said that there are three documentary films made on Manek’s feat. Manek had given up solid food for almost two decades. Manek travelled to more than 100 countries including the US to deliver lectures. Apart from numerous research articles, Manek also authored a book named ‘Sungazing’. He held seminars and classes for various universities and was a member of the ‘Solar Energy Society of India’. Manek had a degree in mechanical engineering. He was working as a trader of perfumes in Kozhikode. His ancestors came from Sujapur in Kutch and settled in Kozhikode for business. He has also held positions in the Jain society in Kozhikode. Manek’s wife Vimala Hirachand passed away a month ago. He is survived by a son and a daughter.
