Dr. Zakir Husain's 121st birth anniversary: Things you should know about former president

Husain was the country's first Muslim president, and also the first to die in office.

India celebrates 121st birth anniversary of former president Dr. Zakir Husain, a freedom fighter and noted educationist. Initially, the family lived in Kaimganj, Uttar Pradesh. But, his family shifted to Hyderabad after the birth of Husain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "India remembers Dr. Zakir Husain on his birth anniversary. His contribution towards India's freedom movement was tremendous. He also distinguished himself as a scholar and educationist."

Achievements of Dr. Zakir Husain:

• When Husain was 23 years old, with a group of students and teachers he founded the National Muslim University, first founded in
• Became Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University
• Was nominated as a member for the upper house of the Parliament in 1956
• Became governor of Bihar in the year 1957 till 1962
• Became the second Vice President of India from 1962 till 1967
• Was elected as the President of India on 13th May 1967. During his inaugural speech he said that whole of India was his home and all the people living here were his family
• During his Presidential tenure, he visited four countries - viz. Yugoslavia, Hungary, Nepal and USSR.

Husain was the country's first Muslim president, and also the first to die in office. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 1963. His grandson Salma Khurshid is senior leader of Congress party.

I pay homage to former President of India, Dr. Zakir Husain, on his birth anniversary.

A freedom fighter, @INCIndia stalwart, visionary, distinguished educationist & scholar, his life is his message for our nation. pic.twitter.com/9MaZKdwXkW

— Niranjan Patnaik (@NPatnaikOdisha) February 8, 2018

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