Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 8: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday offered floral tributes to former President Dr Zakir Husain on the occasion of his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan, officials said.
Dr Zakir Husain, who served as the third President of India, held office from May 13, 1967, until his death on May 3, 1969. He holds the distinction of being the first Muslim to occupy the highest constitutional post in the country and also the first President to pass away while in office.
Born on February 8, 1897, in Hyderabad, Dr Husain was a towering figure in Indian public life—renowned not only as a statesman but also as an eminent educationist and thinker whose ideas left a lasting imprint on the nation.
He received his early education in Hyderabad before pursuing higher studies at Aligarh Muslim University, where he earned a doctorate in Economics. Driven by a deep passion for education, he co-founded the National Muslim University in Aligarh, which later moved to Delhi and came to be known as Jamia Millia Islamia.
Dr Husain’s life’s work was rooted in the belief that education was central to nation-building. He served as Vice-Chancellor of both Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia, playing a pivotal role in shaping these institutions through progressive, inclusive and forward-looking academic policies.
Beyond academia, Dr Husain was actively involved in India’s freedom movement. In independent India, he went on to hold several key positions, including Governor of Bihar from 1957 to 1962 and Vice President of India from 1962 until his election as President.
Elected President on May 13, 1967, Dr Zakir Husain’s tenure was marked by intellectual depth, moral authority and a steadfast commitment to democratic ideals. His faith in education as a transformative force remained central to his vision for the country.
Dr Husain passed away on May 3, 1969, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations. He was succeeded as President by V.V. Giri on August 24, 1969.