Birth Anniversary of Zakir Hussain | 09 Feb 2026

Source: PIB 

The President paid tributes to the former President of India, Dr Zakir Husain, on his birth anniversary on 8^th 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.