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Kannur: Staring at something without blinking for a few minutes is difficult for most people. But for Anand Haridas, a professor from Kannur, Kerala, it has become a record-breaking feat. On July 12, 2021, Haridas set the India Book of Records record for the longest time without blinking – an astonishing 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Haridas is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Palakkad. His incredible ability comes from practising Trataka, a yogic meditation technique that involves prolonged staring at a fixed point. Haridas learned about Trataka three years before setting the record. Its benefits include improved concentration, memory and eyesight.
Initially, keeping his eyes open for even five minutes was challenging. His eyes would burn and tears would stream down his face. However, with consistent daily practice, he gradually increased his endurance. Over time, he managed to extend his staring time to 20 minutes, then 45 minutes and eventually over an hour. Two months before setting the record, he reached 1 hour and 15 minutes without blinking.
His achievement was officially recognised by the India Book of Records, earning him a medal and certificate. Encouraged by his success, Haridas applied for recognition from the Guinness World Records and Limca Book of Records.
Trataka is a yogic meditation technique that involves intensely gazing at a single point without blinking, often focusing on a candle flame, a black dot or any fixed object. Part of the Shatkarma (six cleansing techniques) in Hatha Yoga, Trataka is believed to enhance concentration, improve memory, strengthen eyesight and calm the mind. Regular practice is said to develop mental endurance, sharpen focus and even awaken the third eye (Ajna chakra), leading to greater spiritual awareness. It is also used for stress reduction and improving willpower, making it a powerful tool for both mental and visual discipline.
While Trataka is traditionally used for spiritual and cognitive benefits, Haridas has shown that it can also lead to extraordinary endurance. He credits his success to dedication and perseverance.
