On the 8th of February Nitin Gadkari greets former President Bharat Ratna Dr. Zakir Hussain on his birth anniversary.
Dr. Zakir Hussain (1897-1969) was an Indian statesman and academic who served as the third President of India from 1967 until his death in 1969. He was the first Muslim president of India and remains one of the most respected figures in the country’s history.
Born in Hyderabad, Hussain graduated from Aligarh Muslim University before going on to earn a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Berlin. He later taught at several universities, including Aligarh Muslim University and the University of Delhi.
In addition to his academic career, Hussain was also active in politics and was a member of the Indian National Congress. He was appointed as the Governor of Bihar in 1957 and later served as the Vice President of India from 1962 to 1967.
As President, Hussain was known for his commitment to democracy and secularism and worked to promote unity and stability in the country. He was a champion of education and the arts and worked to establish institutions such as the National Museum and the National School of Drama.
Hussain was also a strong advocate for India’s independence and was imprisoned several times for his political activities during the struggle for freedom from British rule. After independence, he continued to work for the betterment of the country and its people and was widely respected for his integrity and dedication to public service.
Dr. Zakir Hussain remains a revered figure in India and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians. He is remembered as a visionary leader who worked tirelessly to promote peace, equality, and progress in the country.