Forever young at 137

published by Asianpost on Mon, 06/12/2006 - 22:54

Habib Miyan, believed to be India oldest living man, celebrated what he said was his 137th birthday in Jaipur last month with a dream of entering the Guinness Book of World Records.


 

Already in the Limca Book of Records as the oldest living Indian, an enthusiastic Habib said: "Log kehte hain koi Guinness Book hai, usme mere naam aa jae bas (People say there is some Guinness Book, I just hope to get my name in it)."

 

According to his pension card, Habib, a former clarinet player with the Jaipur State Forces Band, was born on May 20, 1878. But his claim that he is much older has been entertained by the Limca Book in its 2005 edition.

 

Habib celebrated his birthday by cutting a cake at his residence, clad in a new white kurta-pyjama set and surrounded by members of his extended family of over 70. He was also happy at being invited to a special party hosted for him by the city's mayor.

 

His 65-year-old grandson Chuttan Miyan said: "We recently received an email from the publisher of the Guinness Book saying they will come here and authenticate his age."

 

Habib said he had hardly any unfulfilled wishes, and only desired to live longer so that he could give more love to his 10-year-old great-great-grandson Aaftab.

 

"Khuda ke ghar bhi na jayenge bin bulaye hue (I won't go to god's home without getting a call from Him)," he said. "Aab to qayamat ke roz hi jaonga (I will go now only on judgement day)."

 

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