Zakir Hussain

Zakir Husain: From Teacher to President

From Teacher to President, Zakir Husain's journey is more than a fairy tale. Zakir Husain was born on February 8, 1897, in Hyderabad, India. He was the third of seven children and grew up in a religious and culturally rich family. His father, Fida Husain Khan, was a civil servant, and his mother, Naznin Begum, was a homemaker.

Husain was a brilliant student and completed his education from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. He later went on to study at the University of Berlin, where he earned his PhD in economics.

After completing his studies, Husain returned to India and joined Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi as a professor. He was a great teacher and quickly rose through the ranks to become the Vice Chancellor of the university in 1926.

Throughout his career, Husain worked tirelessly to promote education and social reform. He was a staunch supporter of Indian independence and played an active role in the Indian National Congress. He was imprisoned several times for his involvement in the freedom struggle.

After India gained independence in 1947, Husain was appointed as the Governor of Bihar. He served in this role for six years before being appointed as the Vice President of India in 1962. In 1967, he became the President of India, becoming the first Muslim to hold this prestigious position.

During his tenure as President, Husain worked to promote unity and harmony among India's diverse communities. He was a firm believer in secularism and worked to promote education and social justice.

Sadly, Husain's tenure as President was cut short when he passed away on May 3, 1969, due to a heart attack. However, his legacy continues to inspire millions of people around the world.

Zakir Husain was a true visionary and dedicated his life to the service of his country and its people. His life and achievements are a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, social justice, and national unity.