Farhan Israeli/Jaipur

Captain Mirza Mohtashim Baig and his wife, Ruby Khan, have set a remarkable example of social service in Jaipur, championing community welfare and social harmony through their combined efforts.

Captain Baig, Rajasthan’s first Muslim pilot, has flown national and international routes for over 25 years. His wife, Ruby Khan, is a social worker and a politician.

The couple believes that true societal transformation begins with personal initiative. Ruby says her long-standing desire for social service found purpose and direction after she married Captain Baig.

Helping people during COVID

Together, they have launched several grassroots initiatives, including medical camps, documentation drives, free ration distribution, and support for girls’ marriages—reaching thousands in underserved communities.

Ruby believes the greatest barrier for the underprivileged is a lack of access to information. Captain Baig echoes this view, adding, “Unless we take the first step, society cannot move forward.”

Their mission is inspired by Captain Baig’s father, Mirza Mukhtar Baig, a respected civil engineer in Rajasthan, who instilled in his children a deep sense of civic responsibility.

Ruby Khan with women

Ruby Khan co-authored the book “Hindu Dharma Aur Islam: Do Aankhen, Nayi Roshni” (Hinduism and Islam: Two Eyes, New Light) with noted author Prof. K.L. Kamal.

The book, which aims to bridge religious misunderstandings, was launched in 2010 by then Vice President Hamid Ansari and has been recognised as a "timeless work." It is available in the Vice President’s library and at Aligarh Muslim University.

Ruby has also authored a children’s poetry book titled “Gyaan Ke Bulbuley” (Bubbles of Knowledge), which introduces children to Rajasthan’s culture, environment, and values through simple language.

Ruby Khan sduring a campaign

Targeted at nursery and pre-primary students, the book was released by then Rajasthan Education Minister Brij Kishore Sharma.

Captain Baig, meanwhile, is deeply committed to mentoring underprivileged youth. Through career counselling, he has helped many discover their potential.

He recalls an emotional moment at Delhi airport when a former student, now successful, touched his feet and credited him with changing his life. Such experiences, he says, fuel his drive to continue guiding young minds.

Captain Mirza Mohtashim Baig and Ruby Khan with young children

Ruby Khan has focused much of her work on women's empowerment. She has raised awareness on domestic violence, health, and employment, and has organized cancer screening camps and skill-building workshops.

As the National Vice President of the Congress party’s minority wing, Ruby has been working for an inclusive India and the empowerment of Muslim women.

She believes real progress for minorities is possible only when they start actively participating in policymaking.

Captain Mirza Mohtashim Baig helping people during Covid-19

The family is also passionate about protecting Jaipur’s architectural and cultural heritage. Ruby expresses concern about the city’s diminishing identity due to unchecked urbanization, traffic congestion, and waterlogging.

She advocates for collaboration with experienced engineers and planners to revive Jaipur’s historic charm.

Service runs deep in the Baig family. Captain Baig’s younger brother, Mirza Shariq Baig, played a pivotal role in restoring the Jal Mahal. Once shunned by locals, the site is now a major tourist destination.

Through natural water purification techniques and sustainable design, Shariq helped reclaim the area as a symbol of Rajasthan’s ecological and cultural renewal.

The youngest member of this inspiring family is a scientist at IIT Indore, recently honoured by Harvard University for his work. The guiding spirit of their father, Mirza Mukhtar Baig, continues to shape the family’s shared mission.

One especially memorable moment for Ruby Khan came in 2004, when she reached the finals of the Mrs. Jaipur pageant. With only Captain Baig by her side, the crowd erupted in applause after he was the first to clap at the announcement of her name.

The moment marked a powerful affirmation of her confidence and individuality.

Today, the couple continues to expand their initiatives. They are developing new training modules, scholarship camps, and awareness campaigns aimed at uplifting youth, women, and minority communities.

They also plan to work with government agencies to address Jaipur’s urban challenges and preserve its rich cultural legacy.

READ MORE: Rajasthan's First Female Qazi Nishat Hussain led legal battle against triple talaq

The journey of Captain Mirza Mohtashim Baig and Ruby Khan proves that meaningful change is possible—even with limited means—when guided by compassion, conviction, and purpose. Their work stands as an enduring inspiration not only for Jaipur but for the entire nation.