Zakir Hussain
Dr. Zakir Husain was a distinguished Indian educationist, politician, and the third President of India, serving from May 13, 1967, until his untimely death on May 3, 1969. He holds the distinction of being the first Muslim President of India and also the first Indian President to die while in office. Husain was renowned for his profound commitment to education, nation-building, and democratic values, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian history.
Early Life and Education
Born on February 8, 1897, in Hyderabad into a Pathan (Afridi Pashtun) family, Zakir Husain faced early hardships with the loss of both his parents during his childhood. He completed his schooling in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, and pursued higher education at Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (now Aligarh Muslim University) where he earned his master's degree in economics. Furthering his scholarly pursuits, he obtained a PhD in economics from the University of Berlin.
Pioneering Contributions to Education
Zakir Husain was a visionary educationist deeply involved in shaping modern Indian education. In 1920, he co-founded the National Muslim University at Aligarh, which later became Jamia Millia Islamia after relocating to Delhi. As its Vice-Chancellor from 1926 to 1948, he transformed Jamia into a key institution aligned with the Indian freedom movement and Gandhian educational ideals. He championed the Nai Talim educational policy emphasizing learning in native languages and advocated free, compulsory education.
He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University starting in 1948, further cementing his role in advancing education. His work extended beyond universities through memberships in the Indian Universities Commission, UNESCO, the University Grants Commission, and chairmanship of the Central Board of Secondary Education.
Political Career and Vice Presidency
Post-independence, Zakir Husain was deeply involved in public service. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, during the 1950s. He was appointed Governor of Bihar (1957-1962) and subsequently elected as India's second Vice President in 1962 following Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. In 1963, he was honored with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, recognizing his contributions to the nation.
Presidency and Vision for India
Zakir Husain was elected the third President of India on May 9, 1967. His inauguration speech famously emphasized unity and inclusiveness: "The whole of Bharat is my home, and its people are my family." During his presidency, he upheld democratic principles and advocated against communalism and violence, calling for peace and coexistence within India as well as among nations.
Despite his short tenure, Husain made significant state visits and contributed to cultural enrichment, including introducing new varieties of roses to the Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was the first Muslim and the first state governor to ascend to the presidency, as well as the first incumbent president to die in office on May 3, 1969.
Legacy
Dr. Zakir Husain’s legacy endures in education and Indian polity. Jamia Millia Islamia, the institution he helped found and nurture, remains one of India’s premier universities. His life symbolizes the power of education as a tool for social reform and national integration. Institutions, libraries, roads, and gardens across India bear his name in honor of his contributions.
In summary, Zakir Husain was not only a political leader but a remarkable educator and visionary whose ideals continue to inspire India's quest for a just, peaceful, and educated society. His presidency marked a milestone in Indian history emphasizing inclusiveness and nation-building deeply rooted in democratic and secular values./p>
