Real Indian Hero: 15 years after losing his mother for not having a vehicle, 'Ambulance Dada' gets Padma Shri

Known as the ‘ambulance-dada’ from Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, Karimul Haque is a tea garden worker, who ferries ill and the aged to the nearby hospital on his bike-ambulance. Almost 15 years ago, Haque could not save his mother’s life in the absence of a vehicle. A few years ago, he rushed his co-worker, Azizul on his back to the hospital, when he collapsed on the field. He tied him to his back and had to walk for over 50km till the Jalpaiguri district hospital. From time to time, Haque would ferry ill and the aged, sometimes even poor, who cannot pay a huge sum to reach the hospital. He even ferries pregnant women on his bike-ambulance to the hospital in case of emergencies.

“The area he comes from, Jalpaiguri is uneven and rough roads and to find an ambulance in case of an emergency is a far-fetched dream for many villagers. This bike-ambulance has helped over 3,000 villagers in the last few years,” said Haque. This apart, Karimul also provides medical services going from door to door besides carrying out health camp in the areas.

He also gets financial aid from the West Bengal state government amounting to Rs.4,000 of which, he spends half of it on the fuel for his bike-ambulance. Recently Bajaj Motors upgraded his bike-ambulance. Now, his upgraded ambulance has a waterproof stretcher and provision for oxygen cylinders. Speaking to DNA, Haque added, “I’m very fortunate that I am receiving this prestigious award. I will continue my endeavour to save people’s life till my last breath. I am very nervous to meet the President in person and get this award from him.”

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