Exemplary Love and Devotion: 70-Year-Old Man Pedals 600 km on Rickshaw for Ailing Wife's Treatment - Punjabi News

Published on: 25 Jan 2026 at 09:12 AM

Exemplary Love and Devotion: 70-Year-Old Man Pedals 600 km on Rickshaw for Ailing Wife’s Treatment

Published by: Gill Bikram

Exemplary Love and Devotion: 70-Year-Old Man Pedals 600 km on Rickshaw for Ailing Wife’s Treatment

A heartwarming story from Odisha’s Sambalpur district has emerged, showcasing profound human emotion and unwavering love for one’s life partner. 70-year-old Babu Lohar accomplished the seemingly impossible for his sick wife, Joti. Last November, when Joti suffered a seizure and doctors advised taking her to a major hospital in Cuttack, poverty left Babu without money for an ambulance. Undeterred, he turned his old rickshaw into an ambulance and set off on the 300 km journey to Cuttack.

Braving biting cold, he took nine grueling days, pedaling about 30 km daily and sleeping by the roadside each night. After two months of treatment, as they returned to Sambalpur, a minor accident occurred en route. At Tangi Police Station, SHO Vikas Sethi offered help and a ride home, but Babu humbly refused. He explained that his life revolves around two loves—his wife and his rickshaw—and he couldn’t leave either behind.

Babu’s self-respect and confidence moved the police officers. After repeated requests, he accepted only some cash for food but insisted on completing the rest of the journey on his own effort. At 70, pedaling a total of 600 km (round trip) on his rickshaw has gone viral on social media, with people saluting his spirit.