In the remote tea garden villages of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, where ambulances are rare and roads are often unforgiving, one man has emerged as a real-life savior. Armed with a motorcycle and an unshakable commitment to help others, Karimul Haque, fondly known as “Bike Ambulance Dada”, has transformed what was once a desperate lack of medical access into a tale of hope and humanity.
A Tragedy That Sparked a Movement
The journey began in 1995, when Karimul Haque’s mother fell seriously ill. Living in a remote village with no access to timely medical care, Karimul tried desperately to find a vehicle to take her to the nearest hospital. By the time they arrived—after walking and struggling for hours—it was too late. His mother died in his arms.
That moment of helplessness left a lasting mark. “No one should die because they can’t get to a hospital,” he vowed. And from that personal tragedy rose a mission that would touch thousands of lives.
Turning a Bike into an Ambulance
In 1998, Karimul decided to convert his humble Bajaj motorcycle into an ambulance. Using a makeshift stretcher and some local modifications, he began ferrying sick and injured people from his village and neighboring areas to the nearest hospital, often 40–50 kilometers away.
With no formal training, no support from authorities, and little money, he became a one-man emergency response team—operating at all hours, in all seasons, and charging absolutely nothing. Over time, word spread. Today, villagers from over 20 nearby hamlets reach out to Karimul in moments of emergency, often before calling anyone else.
More Than Just a Ride
What makes Karimul Haque’s service exceptional isn’t just the physical act of transportation—it’s the empathy, urgency, and trust he carries with every ride. He helps patients get admitted, arranges medicines when necessary, and has even conducted CPR in critical situations.
He continues to work as a tea garden laborer by day, using his earnings to maintain the motorcycle and buy fuel. Sometimes villagers contribute in small ways, but the service remains free for all. His sons and relatives now support him in this mission.
Recognition and Impact
Over the years, Karimul has ferried over 5,000 people, saving countless lives. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 2017—one of the country’s highest civilian awards.
But the biggest reward, according to Karimul, is the gratitude in people’s eyes and the knowledge that he could help where there was once only helplessness.
Building a Better Tomorrow
Not content with just transporting patients, Karimul Haque has also started advocating for basic healthcare awareness and first aid training in his region. He dreams of building a small hospital in his village one day so people won’t have to suffer due to delays in care.
Despite the recognition, Karimul remains grounded. He lives a modest life in Dhalabari village, still wakes up to calls for help, and still rushes out on his motorbike at a moment’s notice.
Legacy of Compassion
Karimul Haque is not just a social worker—he is a symbol of what selfless service can achieve, even without wealth, education, or institutional power. In a system where ambulance delays are still commonplace in many rural parts of India, his life is a living lesson:
You don’t need a siren to save lives—you just need heart, courage, and a bike.
“I lost my mother because I couldn’t save her in time. I don’t want that to happen to anyone else,” says Karimul Haque.
And thanks to him, in the villages of Jalpaiguri, fewer people now have to bear that pain.
