For 23-year-old Manpreet Singh, life has been shaped by a medical mystery his family has never been able to solve.

Born healthy in India, Manpreet grew normally during his first year. But after that, his growth appeared to stop. Today, he lives in Hisar and weighs just around 5kg, with the appearance and abilities of a much younger child.

Manpreet can say only a few words and mostly communicates through gestures. He can smile, cry and laugh, while his uncle and aunt care for him much like they would care for a small child.

Doctors have suggested a possible hormonal imbalance, while some scientists have raised the possibility of Laron syndrome, a rare genetic condition. But without the extensive testing needed to confirm the cause, his family still has no definite answer.

Because his parents could not afford the medical expenses needed for further investigation, Manpreet was sent around 112km away to live with his uncle and aunt, who have devoted themselves to looking after him.

His unusual appearance has attracted attention in the local community, where some people even regard him as a spiritual figure. His uncle says Manpreet especially loves copying the people around him — including watching relatives pray before they drive.

“We may not have all the answers, but he is still our beloved family member,” his relatives have shared. “All we want is for him to receive the right care and have the chance to live as comfortably and happily as possible.”

For years, the family has carried the hope of discovering what caused Manpreet’s growth to stop. Now, a fundraising effort has been launched to help cover the medical tests and treatment he urgently needs.

Behind the mystery is simply a young man surrounded by family who refuse to stop searching for answers — and hoping for a better future for him.