CNN-IBN
New Delhi, May 21: Habib Miyan, listed in the Limca Book of World Records as the country's oldest man, celebrated his 137th birthday on Saturday.
“Kisi rayees ki mehfil ka zikr kya Amir, Khuda ke ghar bhi na jayenge bin bulaye hue (What's an affluent person's party, I will not even go to God's place without being invited),” Habib said.
Going steady: The world's oldest living pensioner, Habib has outlived his three wives and has a family
The world's oldest living pensioner, Habib has outlived his three wives and has a family of 70. Among those who celebrated his birthday were his sixth generation grand children.
Living in this narrow lane of downtown Jaipur, Habib worked as a clarinet player in the royal band of the Pink City. And he has been drawing a pension for the past 67 years for that job.
Despite being blind for many years now, Habib says he's still fairly self-dependent. However, his only regret is that he cannot say his namaz five times a day any longer.
When you're 137 and still going steady there must be something that keeps you going, a grandmother's recipe, a rare herb or a strict diet chart or some sort of a health secret, but Habib says, “Tea is the only thing I'm fond of. I've never been addicted to anything ever since I was born.”
Habib fulfilled his dream of going to Mecca recently. His last wish, he says, is to make it to the Guiness Book of World Records and to meet President APJ Abdul Kalam.