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Oldest Indian Habib Mian dies at 138 yrs

by Sanjay Jha | August 19, 2008 at 02:49 am

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Oldest living man of the world had died on tuesday in India. Few years back the Mayor of Jaipur town where he lived had bestowed on him the title of "Aabe-e-Jaipur" (Lustre of Jaipur). He was holding many distinction of being the oldest man, the oldest Haj pilgrim - he went to Mecca for Haj - and the longest beneficiary of pension since 1938, first from the Jaipur province, and later from the State Government after India got Independence. Except for his eyesight, he enjoys a good health in this ripe age and walks without support.

Grand old Habib Mian, perhaps the oldest man in the country, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 138.

Born on May 28, 1870 at Rajgarh in Rajasthan's Alwar district, Habib Mian, who had fever and a bout of dysentery, died here at 3 am on Tuesday.

He had joined the band of the erstwhile Jaipur Royal family as a clarinet player and retired from service in 1938. At that time, he received a pension of just Rs 1.46 which was later increased to Rs 2698.

Habib Mian did not celebrate his birthday this year as he was saddened by the serial bomb blasts in Jaipur on May 13 which claimed 62 lives, according to his grandson Chuttan Khan.

According to Mian's family friend, Rajesh Nagpal, the old man had called him yesterday and said " Mera samay aagaya hai mujhe chod kar mat jana (my time has come, don't leave me at this time)".

Beside Chuttan Mian and his eldest grandson Mahmood Mian, Habib Mian has left behind 140 grand and great-grand children.

His four sons and wife had died several years ago, Chuttan said.

In 2005, the Limca Book had recorded Habib Mian as the oldest man of Jaipur.

Nagpal also said Habib Mian also got a pension of Rs. 350 from Maharani Gayatri Devi Trust.

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rumana husain

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 03:00 on August 19th, 2008

Sanjay Jha, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Sanjay Jha

at 03:03 on August 19th, 2008

Hi Rumana, Thanks for your flag, Cheers

Cynical (not verified)

at 04:14 on August 19th, 2008

This is probably a scam. This guy probably used the papers of his grandfather. When grandpa died, his grandson assumed his place to collect his benefits.

Sanjay Jha

at 04:46 on August 19th, 2008

Hi, It is not a scam. He indeed was that old. Whole town was celebrating his birthday every year.

rumana husain

at 05:08 on August 19th, 2008

any thing known about the 'secret' of his longevity? perhaps some of us could benefit from it. :-)

young-man (not verified)

at 05:30 on August 19th, 2008

Habib Miyan spent his time in prayer. The secret of his long life lies in his dietary habits, he said.
"I follow a normal diet like eating bread but have never smoked or chewed tobacco." Drinking tea is his only addiction."
"If you take care of your body, your body will keep you fit," he said."

Paschen

at 05:18 on August 19th, 2008

I do have trouble believing that though! The Human Genes have a build in Clock so to speak that cannot exide 120 Years Grand Maximum! After that they self destruct!