Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu commemorated the birth anniversary of Dr. Zakir Hussain, the esteemed former President of India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Dr. Hussain, born on February 8, 1897, made significant contributions as an educationist and politician.
“Hailing from Hyderabad, Dr. Zakir Hussain Khan’s legacy is marked by his dedication to education and national service. He played a pivotal role in establishing Jamia Millia Islamia as an independent national university during the Non-cooperation Movement and served as its Vice-Chancellor”.
Dr. Hussain’s advocacy for inclusive education and opposition to communal politics shaped India’s educational policies. His leadership as Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and Governor of Bihar earned him accolades like the Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna.
Elected as India’s Vice President in 1962 and subsequently as President in 1967, Dr. Zakir Hussain made history as the first Muslim to hold the highest constitutional office. Despite his untimely demise in office, his legacy continues to inspire.
President Murmu’s floral tributes underscore the nation’s reverence for Dr. Zakir Hussain’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts toward education and national unity. His contributions are immortalized through various educational institutions, libraries, and commemorative stamps across India.
