Dr Zakir Husain was the third President of India and the first Muslim to occupy that post. He was a renowned educationist and intellectual and his contribution in the development of modern India through education is invaluable. From young age, Zakir Husain developed a fascination for politics which he strived to fulfil through education. He slowly and steadily climbed up the social ladder as an educationist and soon became one of the most prominent educational thinkers and practitioners of modern India. Husain strongly believed in the fact that national renaissance could not be attained through active politics all alone. He understood the importance that education would play and thus, indulged himself completely in it. For 22 years, he served as Vice Chancellor of Jamia Milia Islamia, making it one of the most distinguished centres of learning. He spent his entire life working for the cause of education and value of secularism. For his services to the country he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest national honour.
