President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday paid floral tributes to former President Dr Zakir Husain on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Officials said the ceremony honoured the life and legacy of one of India’s most respected statesmen and scholars.
Dr Zakir Husain served as India’s third President from May 13, 1967, until his death on May 3, 1969.
He made history as the first Muslim to occupy the country’s highest constitutional office. He also became the first Indian President to pass away while in office.
Born on February 8, 1897, in Hyderabad, Dr Husain emerged as a towering figure in public life.
He built a reputation not only as a seasoned politician but also as a renowned educationist and intellectual. His ideas influenced generations beyond the political sphere.
Dr Husain received his early schooling in Hyderabad before pursuing higher studies at Aligarh Muslim University.
He earned a doctorate in Economics and developed a lifelong commitment to education.
This passion led him to co-found the National Muslim University in Aligarh. The institution later moved to Delhi and became Jamia Millia Islamia.
Throughout his career, Dr Husain placed education at the centre of national progress.
He served as Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and later led Jamia Millia Islamia.
In both roles, he promoted inclusive learning and institutional reform through visionary leadership.
Alongside his academic work, Dr Husain actively participated in India’s freedom movement.
After Independence, he held several key positions. He served as Governor of Bihar from 1957 to 1962 and as Vice President of India from 1962 until 1967.
Dr Husain assumed the presidency on May 13, 1967. His tenure reflected scholarship, constitutional discipline, and a firm belief in democratic values.
He consistently championed education as a tool for social transformation.
Dr Zakir Husain died on May 3, 1969. His contributions to education and public life continue to guide India’s intellectual and democratic traditions. V V Giri succeeded him as President on August 24, 1969.
President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to Dr Zakir Hussain, former President of India on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/62vRptUVT4
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 8, 2026
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