The Truth Behind the Viral Video: No, He’s Not 188! The Rescue of Siyaram Baba
A recent video claiming to show the rescue of a “188-year-old man” from a cave near Bengaluru has taken social media by storm, amassing over 34 million views. The post, shared by an account named ‘Concerned Citizen,’ features a frail elderly man being assisted by two individuals. The sensational claim sparked widespread curiosity and debate, but fact-checkers quickly stepped in to clarify the truth behind this viral sensation.
The Viral Video
The 24-second clip shows an elderly individual with a hunched back, white beard, and walking stick. Accompanying the video was the caption: “This Indian man has just been found in a cave. It’s alleged he’s 188 years old. Insane!” This extraordinary claim led many viewers to question its validity, prompting a wave of scrutiny from fact-checkers and social media platforms alike.
The Real Story: Siyaram Baba
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the elderly man in the video is not 188 years old but is actually Siyaram Baba, a respected Hindu saint from Madhya Pradesh. Reports indicate that he is approximately 110 years old, significantly younger than the viral claims suggested.
- Background: Siyaram Baba is well-known in his community for his ascetic lifestyle and spiritual practices. He reportedly spent ten years performing penance while standing on one leg and is revered by many who seek his blessings. Despite his advanced age, he is said to read religious texts without glasses and maintains an active daily routine.
- Misleading Claims: Fact-checking organizations like D-Intent Data have labeled the video and its claims as misleading. They confirmed that the elderly man is indeed Siyaram Baba and not someone who has lived for nearly two centuries.
Social Media Response
In light of the misinformation, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) added a disclaimer to the original post, stating:
“Misinformation! The elderly man is a Hindu saint named ‘Siyaram Baba’ who lives in Madhya Pradesh, India. According to reports, he is about 110 years old.”
The original poster later acknowledged their mistake, expressing embarrassment over the exaggerated claim of 188 years.
Growing Concerns Over Misinformation
This incident underscores a broader issue regarding the spread of sensationalized and unverified claims on social media. Experts have warned that influencers often circulate misleading content to gain attention, which can lead to public confusion and misinformation.
- Community Impact: The rapid spread of such videos can have real-world implications, affecting how communities perceive aging, health, and spirituality. It also highlights the need for greater media literacy among social media users to critically assess the information they encounter online.
Conclusion
The viral video claiming to show a “188-year-old man” rescued from a cave has been thoroughly debunked. Siyaram Baba, at approximately 110 years old, remains a respected figure in his community rather than an extraordinary outlier in human longevity. As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, it is essential for users to approach sensational claims with skepticism and seek verified information before drawing conclusions. This incident serves as a reminder of the power—and responsibility—of digital platforms in disseminating accurate information.