Despite appearances, the man you see in the video above is actually 25! This young Punjabi Indian came into this world with a very rare condition that stunted his growth at the age of 6 months, making him look like a two-year-old baby.
Discover our latest podcast
Surprisingly, contrary to other deformed babies in India, Manpreet is seen as a god and is worshipped by villagers. People come from all over to meet him, even touch him, thinking that he is the reincarnation of a Hindu god. Manpreet’s family came from a very poor background, and could never afford to have him diagnosed, which therefore made it difficult to determine exactly what his condition was.
However considering his physique, his large hands, big feet and looser skin, it was discovered that this little Indian man suffered from Laron syndrome. Doctors from all over the world have given the same diagnosis from afar, after hearing others speak about Manpreet’s case. Laron syndrome is a type of dwarfism, a growth disorder that causes those affected by it to be short in stature.
Thanks to sensitivity to insulin however, the rates of diabetes and cancer in those with Laron syndrome is very low. Their life expectancy is also low however, because of the high rate of accidental deaths due to their height.
As well as the physical impacts, his condition prevented Manpreet from developing mentally as well. Despite being in his 20s, the young man still has the mental age of a baby and is incapable of speaking and communicates only through screams and cries. It is therefore left up to his aunt and uncle to take care of him like a child.