Noted film director Puri Jagannath has raised concerns about the weakening health and immunity observed in successive generations, urging people to embrace the lifestyle of rural communities to build stronger resilience. Speaking in his ongoing series “Puri Musings,” Puri elaborated on the vital role of microbes in human health and cautioned against excessive hygiene practices prevalent in urban settings.
Explaining the significance of microbes, Puri said, “Our bodies host millions of microbes—tiny living organisms invisible to the naked eye—that reside on our skin, in our mouth, nose, eyes, and digestive tract. These microbes are essential for vital bodily functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, vitamin and protein production, and immune system support.”
He added, “The number of microbes in and on the human body far exceeds the global human population, amounting to around 100 trillion microbes, weighing nearly two kilograms. These microbes play a critical role in protecting us from harmful bacteria and infections.”
Puri criticized urban hygiene habits such as frequent hand washing, sanitizer use, and drinking distilled water, stating these practices disrupt the natural balance of beneficial microbes and weaken immunity. “People living in rural areas coexist harmoniously with microbes, which helps maintain stronger immunity. Urban residents, however, often distance themselves from these microbes in the name of cleanliness, which has adverse effects on their health.”
Encouraging a return to natural living, Puri advised, “Drink local water, breathe local air, and consume local food. Maintain close contact with animals such as dogs, chickens, cows, and sheep to nurture these microbes and boost your health. Excessive cleanliness is not beneficial. Every generation is becoming weaker because of this detachment from nature.”
He concluded with a warning, “To stay strong, live like villagers. Allow your children to play in the soil and get wet in the rain. If possible, keep pets at home. Avoid living away from nature, or it could prove fatal.”