President Murmu pays tribute to former president Dr Zakir Husain on birth anniversary

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday paid floral tributes to Dr Zakir Husain , former President of India, on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan , recalling his immense contribution to the nation as an educationist, statesman and champion of constitutional values.

Dr Zakir Husain, born on February 8, 1897 , was the third President of India , serving from 1967 until his death in office in 1969. He was also the first Muslim President of the country and remains the only Indian President to have passed away while in office.

An eminent scholar and thinker, Dr Husain played a pivotal role in shaping India’s education system in the years before and after Independence. He was closely associated with the establishment of Jamia Millia Islamia , one of the country’s premier institutions, and served as Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University , where he worked to modernise education while keeping it rooted in Indian values.

Before becoming President, Dr Husain served as the Vice-President of India from 1962 to 1967 , earning widespread respect for his dignity, impartiality and commitment to democratic institutions. As President, he was known for upholding the spirit of the Constitution and maintaining the moral authority of the highest office without political interference.

Across the country, leaders and citizens remembered Dr Zakir Husain for his lifelong dedication to education, secularism and national unity . His life is often cited as a symbol of India’s pluralistic ethos and ethical leadership.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, Dr Zakir Husain was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and later the Bharat Ratna , India’s highest civilian honour.

Dr Zakir Husain’s legacy continues to inspire generations, particularly in the fields of education and public service, where his belief that education must nurture both intellect and character remains deeply relevant.