The Hindu : Front Page : 138 and still going strong

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 21, 2007
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138 and still going strong

"I will not even go to God's house without an invitation"

— PHOTO: PTI

BIRTHDAY BOY: Habib Mian in Jaipur on Sunday.

JAIPUR: Habib Mian, acknowledged as India's oldest person in the Limca Book of Records, on Sunday celebrated his 138th birthday. People from all walks of life thronged his residence here to greet him.

Mian cut a cake, there was bursting of firecrackers and 139 balloons were released to mark the celebrations. People from as far as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, as also Chairman of the Rajasthan Minority Commission, Sardar Jasbir Singh, participated in the festivities.

"Kisi raees ki mehfil ka jikra kya hai amir, khuda ke ghar bhi na jayenge bin bulawe ke (May you discuss a party of a rich man, I will not even go to God's house without an invitation)," Mian said.

Asked about his eating habits, he said: "I am open to any kind of food," but added that he was a great fan of meat preparations, even if these were considered too oily for his age. "Gosht roti khao, Allah ke gun gao."

Habib Mian is a very optimistic person, said Dr. R.K. Verma, an orthopaedic surgeon who had treated him when he fractured his hip six months ago. "He has recovered well."

Mian's family, comprising dozens of members, reside in a small dwelling. Mian met President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, during the latter's visit to the city, to appeal for a house. "I am happy that he spared some time for me,'' he said. — PTI

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