The 3rd President of India, a scholar and statesman, played a crucial role in shaping the country's education system and promoting secular values. He was a strong advocate for social justice and equality.
Zakir Husain, the third President of India, was a renowned educationist, politician, and economist who left an indelible mark on the country's educational landscape and politics. He is best known for his unwavering dedication to education, his role in shaping modern India, and his remarkable journey from being a humble student to the highest constitutional office in the land.
Born on February 8, 1897, in Hyderabad, India, Zakir Husain came from an Afridi Pashtun family. He completed his schooling in Etawah and later attended the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh. His thirst for knowledge took him to the University of Berlin, where he earned a doctoral degree in economics.
A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, Husain was a founding member of the Jamia Millia Islamia, which was established in response to the Non-cooperation movement. He served as the university's vice-chancellor from 1926 to 1948.
In 1937, he chaired the Basic National Education Committee, which framed a new educational policy known as Nai Talim, emphasizing free and compulsory education in the first language.
He was a strong opponent of separate electorates for Muslims and Played a crucial role in retaining the Aligarh Muslim University as a national institution of higher learning after India's Independence and Partition.
Zakir Husain's contributions to education and politics earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 1954 and the Bharat Ratna in 1963. He was also a nominated member of the Indian Parliament from 1952 to 1957.
In 1957, Husain became the Governor of Bihar, a position he held until 1962. The following year, he was elected Vice President of India and, in 1967, he succeeded Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan as the President of India, becoming the first Muslim to hold the highest constitutional office in the country.
Zakir Husain's legacy extends far beyond his political achievements. He played a pivotal role in shaping India's education system, emphasizing the importance of education in the first language and making it accessible to all. His commitment to education and nation-building continues to inspire generations of Indians.
Today, his mazar (tomb) stands as a symbol of reverence and respect in the campus of the Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, a testament to his enduring legacy.
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