Zakir Husain (8 February 1917 – 3 May 1969) was an Indian politician, educationist, and statesman who served as the third President of India from 13 May 1967 until his death on 3 May 1969. He is noted for being the first Muslim to hold the office of President of India and for his contributions to education, particularly as a co‑founder of Jamia Millia Islamia, a central university in New Delhi.
Early life and education
Zakir Husain was born in Hyderabad, Hyderabad State (now in Telangana, India), into a prominent family; his father, Sir Sultan Muhammed Said Khan, was a noted scholar. He received his early education at the University of Delhi, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1936. He subsequently pursued studies in history at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 1939. While at Oxford, he became involved with the Indian nationalist movement and was a member of the Indian Students' Union.
Academic and educational career
After returning to India, Husain joined Jamia Millia Islamia, an institution founded in 1920 with the aim of providing modern education to Indian Muslims. He served as its vice‑chancellor from 1948 to 1956 and later as its chancellor from 1963 until his death. He was also involved with the University Grants Commission and held positions on various educational committees, advocating for the integration of traditional Indian values with modern curricula.
Political career
Husain entered politics through the Indian National Congress. He served as the Governor of Bihar from 1957 to 1962, where he focused on educational reforms and the development of rural infrastructure. He was appointed as the Union Minister of Education in the cabinet of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962, a post he held until 1963, after which he briefly served as Minister of Information and Broadcasting.
Presidency (1967–1969)
On 13 May 1967, Zakir Husain was elected President of India, receiving support from a broad coalition of political parties. His tenure was marked by an emphasis on national integration, cultural preservation, and the promotion of scientific and technical education. He presided over a period of political instability, including the split of the Congress party and the rise of regional governments. Husain remained largely ceremonial, adhering to the constitutional limits of the office, but he was respected for his dignified conduct and moral authority.
Death and legacy
Zakir Husain died in office on 3 May 1969, becoming the first Indian President to die while serving his term. He was succeeded by V. V. Giri, who was elected as acting President. Husain’s contributions to education are commemorated through institutions bearing his name, such as the Zakir Husain College (formerly known as Islamia College) in New Delhi and various scholarships and awards.
Other notable individuals with the same name
- Zakir Hussain (born 1951), an Indian tabla virtuoso and composer, internationally renowned for his percussion performances. (Note the double “s” in the surname.)
- Zakir Husain (physicist), a Pakistani physicist known for his work in condensed matter physics.
These individuals are distinct from Zakir Husain, the former President of India.