The Hindu : National : Jaipur's Habib Miyan at 137: celebrating yet another birthday

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Sunday, May 21, 2006

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National

Jaipur's Habib Miyan at 137: celebrating yet another birthday

Mohammed Iqbal

``I have seen many springs, but I still get excited about my birthdays."

— Photo: PTI

MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Habib Miyan and a grandson from the sixth generation, on Saturday.

JAIPUR: Habib Miyan alias Rahim Khan — believed to be the oldest man in India — celebrated his 137th birthday here on Saturday, with the citizens of the Pink City honouring him as a living legend of an era stretching beyond one-and-a-quarter century. A function was organised by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation after he cut a cake at his home.

The Limca Book of Records last year declared him the oldest, while the Guinness Book of World Records recently informed his family that its representatives would visit Jaipur to authenticate his age. Mr. Miyan, wearing new clothes, celebrated his birthday in his small house in the presence of his extended family of over 70.

``I have seen many springs, but I still get excited about my birthdays. This is a special day for me at this age,'' he told reporters who gathered at his house. He expressed happiness over the Guinness Book offering to include his name among the world record holders.

According to his pension documents, the one-time clarinet player in the royal band of the ruler of Jaipur, Sawai Madho Singh, was born on May 20, 1878. He claims he is older, and recounts that when he was 10, Nawab Faiyaz Ali of Aligarh visiting Jaipur on the king's invitation died. The Nawab's grave here bears the year 1300 of Hijri calendar. The current year is 1427, which establishes that Mr. Miyan has completed 136 years. He also holds the distinction of being the oldest Haj pilgrim — he went to Mecca for Haj in 2004 — and the longest beneficiary of pension benefits since 1938, first from the Jaipur Riyasat, and later from the State Government after Independence. The Limca Book in its 2005 edition certifies his age as over 120 years.

Mr. Miyan lost his eyesight nearly 50 years ago, but enjoys a good health and walks without support. He loves his steaming tea, of which he has several cups daily. He said he had hardly any unfulfilled wishes now. "I want to give more love to my great-great-grandson Aaftab if I remain alive for a few more years." At the public function, Mr. Miyan was showered with gifts.

Mr. Miyan retired from the Man Guard platoon in 1938 during the reign of Sawai Man Singh II. He has had his share of woes: all his five children are dead. Yet, he witnessed the reign of two kings, British rule and Jaipur's merger with the Indian Union after Independence.

His pension at the time of his retirement after 20 years of service was fixed at one rupee and 86 paise a month. He now gets about Rs. 2,000 a month and an ex-gratia from the erstwhile royal family.

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