Grandfather fasts for a cause
USING the disciplines learnt from karate, Mohan Hira has successfully completed a 70hour dry fast in order to raise money for the alleviation of hunger in South Africa.
“For 70 hours I did not eat or drink anything and I am doing absolutely fine. As human beings we misjudge our capabilities. We can do more than we think, it’s just a simple process of mind over matter,” said the Lenasia grandfather.
Given a clean bill of health by his doctor, Hira, 78, partnered with the non-profit organisation Gift of the Givers (GOTG) to kick off the initiative. All proceeds went to the Helen Joseph Hospital Kitchen which is run by GOTG.
Hira remained at the Trade Route Mall in Lenasia from 4pm on Friday until the end of the fast at 2pm on Monday.
“During the day I sat in the mall encouraging people to donate money towards the Helen Joseph Hospital Kitchen and at night I slept in a caravan outside the mall.”
Hira said he took up the challenge after he watched the hordes of people gather outside the hospital for food.
“My heart sank, I then realised how serious poverty was in South Africa.
“This kitchen provides a vital service to the community and for some people it is their only meal for the day. To run the kitchen alone it costs about R160 000 a month, and the fast was my way to create awareness and to help raise funds.”
GOTG founder Imtiaz Sooliman described the initiative as a resounding success. “Mr Hira came to us earlier this year wanting to do a fast for Mandela Day, but because we were handling so many projects at the time we could not take him on. Later this year he got in touch with us again for this project.”
Sooliman said before they agreed to anything Hira was checked by a doctor, and once given the nod, the initiative began.
“On site we raised R20 000 and a woman gave us a diamond ring worth approximately R10 000 to auction. Other shoppers took our banking details and did private donations.”
Hira broke his fast by drinking water and juice, and eating a banana, dried fruit and yoghurt.
“Being a karate dan for so many years I have mastered the art of being disciplined,” he said. “On a normal day I eat only one meal and that is my supper. I don’t suffer from any aliments and my doctor have given me a clean bill of health.”
This is not the first time Hira has completed a dry fast. About three years ago he embarked on one to create awareness about world peace.