Rapid Fire
Birth Anniversary of Zakir Hussain
- 09 Feb 2026
- 2 min read
The President paid tributes to the former President of India, Dr Zakir Husain, on his birth anniversary on 8th February, honouring his contributions to education and democracy.
- About: Born on 8th February 1897, he completed his schooling in Hyderabad and went on to study at Aligarh Muslim University, earning a PhD in Economics and developing a lifelong commitment to education.
- Contributions: He co-founded the National Muslim University in Aligarh, which later shifted to Delhi and became Jamia Millia Islamia.
- He served as Vice-Chancellor of both Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University, promoting inclusive and forward-looking learning.
- He actively participated in India’s freedom struggle and believed education was key to nation-building.
- On Mahatma Gandhi’s request, he became Chairman of the National Committee on Basic Education in 1937, which was set up to develop a Gandhian school curriculum.
- Between 1956 and 1958, he served as a member of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- Public Offices Held: He served as Governor of Bihar (1957–1962) and Vice President of India (1962–1967) before becoming President.
- President of India: Dr Zakir Husain served as India’s 3rd President from 1967 to 1969, becoming the first Muslim President of India.
- Death: He passed away on 3rd May 1969, becoming the first Indian President to die in office, and was succeeded by V. V. Giri.
| Read more: Birth Anniversary of Dr. Zakir Hussain |
