Jaipur set to celebrate Habib Miya's 137 years

Jaipur, May 19 (UNI) The Pink City is all set to celebrate the big day of its eldest citizen Habib Miya, who will turn 137 tomorrow.

Not only its citizens but the Jaipur Municipal Corporation is gearing up to turn Habib Miya's birthday into a gala affair. This year it will honour him with typical Rajasthani ''safa'' and some gifts.

Many other city-based organisations have also earmarked special functions to honour the eldest living citizen of India. Habib Miya will not only have to oblige them by cutting the ceremonial birthday cake, but will also have to be up on his feet the entire day, attending numerous functions and felicitation ceremonies.

Habib Miya, a member of Raja Man Singh's ADC band group, retired on June 1, 1938. And started receiving a pension of Re 1 and 86 paise. Later Rajmata Gayatri Devi started giving him Rs 350. The state government now gives him Rs 2,246 every month.

The eldest pension earner in the country, Habib Miya has always maintained a balance in his food intake. With no addictions whatsoever, he has always had his meals cooked in rire ghee.

In 2003-2004, Habib Miya then 134, became the eldest person to undertake Haj. Even today, he doesn't depend on anyone and can tie his shoelaces himself.

With his name already in the Limca Book of Records, he is now all set for the Guiness Book of Records.

Every year on May 20, Habib Miya's house sees a flurry of activity as hordes of mediamen, organisations descend to capture his every move.

Habib Miya, however, is all smiles and seems to quite enjoy the attention showered on him around this time each year.

With a family comprising eight grandsons and nine great grandsons, Habib Miya's lighted up face belie his 137 years. Despite the wrinkles, his weak eyesight and a frail body, Habib Miya's die hard spirit lives on.

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