Thousands swallow live fish in India to relieve asthma, in Hyderabad

From the archive record

Thousands of asthma-sufferers mobbed a southern Indian city of Hyderabad to swallow live sardines with a yellow herbal paste they believe will cure their breathing problems. Fortunately, for the last 170 years the Goud family of Hyderabad has been offering an amazing cure based on 'the wisdom of the sacred sages of ancient India.' Mr. Veeranna Goud used to distribute a pot of "TODDY" along with white bread to the labourers who had been working hard, making them quench their thirst and also creating merriment in their hearts. He was kind, generous and charitable by nature; he practiced charity by giving to the poor free of cost, a part of what was sold. In the year 1845, a holy man happened to meet Mr. Veeranna Goud. That holy man was impressed with Mr. Veeranna's nature and gave this secre