Biography of Dr. Zakir Husain (1967–1969)
Early Life and Education : Dr. Zakir Husain was born on February 8, 1897, in Hyderabad, India, into a prominent and affluent Pathan family. His father, Fida Husain Khan, was a government official in the Nizam's service, and his mother, Naznin Begum, instilled in him the values of education, service, and spirituality from a young age. Despite his aristocratic background, Zakir Husain’s early life was marked by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to contribute to the betterment of society.
Husain received his early education at the Islamia High School in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, where his intellectual brilliance became apparent. He later attended Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), one of the premier institutions of higher learning in India. It was during his time at AMU that Husain’s love for knowledge and education deepened, and he became actively involved in student activities. This engagement would shape his lifelong passion for education and reform, particularly in the context of India's colonial oppression and its subsequent struggle for independence.
Zakir Husain’s academic pursuits took him to Germany, where he studied at the University of Berlin, earning a doctorate in economics. His time in Europe exposed him to Western educational philosophies and ideas of democracy, socialism, and secularism, which greatly influenced his outlook on education and governance. Husain’s years abroad broadened his intellectual horizons and gave him a global perspective on issues of education, economics, and social welfare.
Involvement in the Indian Freedom Movement and Education
Upon his return to India in the early 1920s, Zakir Husain became deeply involved in the Indian freedom struggle. While many of his contemporaries participated in direct political activism, Husain chose to contribute to the cause of independence by reforming and modernizing the Indian education system. He firmly believed that education was the foundation for an independent, self-sufficient, and socially just nation.
In 1920, in response to Mahatma Gandhi’s call for the boycott of British educational institutions, Husain joined a group of nationalist leaders in establishing the Jamia Millia Islamia University in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Jamia Millia, which later moved to Delhi, was founded with the goal of providing Indians with an alternative, indigenous education free from colonial influence. The university emphasized values of self-reliance, national pride, and cultural integration, aiming to nurture students who would be equipped to serve the nation.
Husain served as Jamia Millia Islamia’s Vice-Chancellor from 1926 to 1948, shaping the institution into one of the leading universities in India. Under his leadership, Jamia became a symbol of India’s intellectual freedom, combining traditional Indian education with modern scientific thought and social reform. His vision for Jamia was to create not just a center for academic learning but a place where moral and ethical values were imparted, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the nation.
Husain’s contributions to education were not limited to Jamia Millia Islamia. He was also involved in the broader Indian educational reform movement and worked closely with other nationalist leaders to improve access to education for all sections of society, especially the underprivileged. He was an advocate for using education as a tool to bridge social, religious, and cultural divides, fostering unity and mutual respect among India’s diverse population.
Contributions to the Indian Educational System
Dr. Zakir Husain’s approach to education was grounded in his belief that it should not merely be about acquiring knowledge but about developing character, social responsibility, and a commitment to public service. His educational philosophy was heavily influenced by his exposure to progressive educational theories during his time in Europe, as well as the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. Husain believed that education should be holistic, encompassing not just intellectual growth but also physical, moral, and spiritual development.
One of his major contributions to Indian education was his emphasis on “craft-based education,” a model inspired by Gandhi’s vision of self-reliance. Husain believed that manual labor and craftwork should be integral parts of the educational curriculum, helping students develop practical skills while fostering dignity in labor. This approach aimed to break down the traditional separation between intellectual and manual work, creating a more egalitarian and inclusive education system.
Dr. Zakir Husain also played a key role in shaping post-independence India’s national education policy. He was a member of several committees and commissions that were tasked with drafting policies aimed at modernizing and expanding India’s education system to meet the needs of a newly independent nation. His advocacy for inclusive and progressive education was critical in ensuring that the Indian educational framework reflected the country’s democratic and pluralistic ideals.
Role as the Governor of Bihar (1957–1962)
Before becoming Vice President and later President of India, Dr. Zakir Husain served as the Governor of Bihar from 1957 to 1962. His tenure as governor was marked by a focus on education, rural development, and social welfare. Husain was deeply committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of Bihar, one of India’s most impoverished states at the time. He introduced several initiatives aimed at promoting rural education, health care, and agricultural development.
Husain’s governance style was characterized by his simplicity, humility, and direct engagement with the people. He made frequent visits to villages and interacted with the rural population to better understand their challenges and aspirations. His emphasis on education as a tool for social upliftment was reflected in his efforts to expand access to schools and vocational training programs in Bihar.
As governor, Husain also worked closely with local leaders and civil society organizations to promote communal harmony in a state that was often prone to religious and caste-based tensions. His personal commitment to secularism and national unity made him a respected and beloved figure, both in Bihar and across the country.
Vice Presidency (1962–1967)
In 1962, Dr. Zakir Husain was elected as the Vice President of India, succeeding Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, who had been elevated to the presidency. As Vice President, Husain continued his lifelong commitment to education and social reform, using his position to advocate for policies that would promote national integration, secularism, and social justice.
One of the key responsibilities of the Vice President is to serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament. Husain’s tenure as Chairman was marked by his ability to manage legislative debates with fairness, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles. His calm and composed demeanor earned him the respect of politicians across party lines, and his scholarly background gave him a unique perspective on national and international issues.
During his time as Vice President, Husain also represented India at various international forums, where he promoted the country’s values of peace, non-alignment, and cooperation among nations. His diplomatic skills and intellectual stature helped enhance India’s image on the global stage.
Presidency (1967–1969)
In 1967, Dr. Zakir Husain was elected as the third President of India, becoming the first Muslim to hold the highest constitutional office in the country. His election was seen as a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to secularism, national unity, and inclusiveness. Husain’s presidency came at a time when India was grappling with several internal and external challenges, including political instability, communal tensions, and economic difficulties.
As President, Zakir Husain brought his characteristic simplicity, humility, and intellectual rigor to the office. He viewed the role of the President not as a position of power but as one of service to the nation. His speeches and public statements often emphasized the importance of education, secularism, and social justice, reflecting his lifelong values and ideals.
Husain’s presidency was also marked by his efforts to promote national integration and unity in a country that was, at the time, experiencing significant political and social divisions. He believed that India’s diversity was its strength and that fostering mutual respect and understanding among different religious, linguistic, and cultural communities was essential for the country’s progress.
Major Events During His Presidency
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Political Instability: Zakir Husain’s presidency coincided with a period of political instability in India. The 1967 general elections had resulted in a fragmented political landscape, with several states electing non-Congress governments for the first time since independence. As President, Husain played a crucial role in maintaining political stability and ensuring that the democratic process was upheld during this turbulent time.
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Communal Harmony: As India’s first Muslim President, Husain was deeply committed to promoting communal harmony and secularism. He consistently spoke out against religious intolerance and emphasized the need for unity and mutual respect among India’s diverse religious communities. His personal example as a leader who transcended religious divisions inspired confidence in India’s secular ethos.
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Educational Reform: Even as President, Husain continued to advocate for educational reform. He frequently spoke about the importance of education in building a strong and prosperous nation and urged the government to invest in expanding access to quality education, particularly for marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
Untimely Death and Legacy
Dr. Zakir Husain’s tenure as President was cut short by his untimely death on May 3, 1969. He was the first Indian President to die in office. His passing was a moment of national mourning, with leaders from across the political spectrum paying tribute to his contributions to the country.
Husain’s legacy as an educator, scholar, and statesman continues to inspire generations of Indians. His lifelong dedication to education, his commitment to secularism, and his efforts to promote national unity are remembered as some of his greatest contributions to India. The institutions he helped build, particularly Jamia Millia Islamia, stand as lasting testaments to his vision for a modern, inclusive, and progressive India.
Today, Dr. Zakir Husain’s name is synonymous with intellectual excellence, public service, and moral leadership. His presidency, though brief, left an indelible mark on the history of India, and his life’s work remains a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of education to transform society.
Sangam Shakya 
