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Dr Zakir Hussain was the third President of India from May 13, 1967 till his death on May 3, 1969.
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| First Term: | May 13, 1967 - May 3, 1969 | |
| Predecessor: | Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | |
| Date of Birth: | February 8, 1897 | |
| Place of Birth: | Hyderabad, India | |
Dr Zakir Hussain was born on February 8, 1897, in Hyderabad, India where his father had migrated from Uttar Pradesh. He went for higher education to Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College (now Aligarh Muslim University). He was known even in those days for his love of knowledge, his wit and eloquence and his readiness to help his fellow students. Zakir Hussain, then only 23 and a student of the M.A. class, was among the small group of students and teachers who decided to establish a National Muslim University by the name of Jamia Millia Islamia. Recounting, years later, the impact of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Zakir Hussain said : "I began my public career at the feet of Gandhiji, and he has been my guide and inspirer."
Zakir Hussain's unceasing quest for knowledge also took him to Germany in the 1920's. During his three year stay there, he acquired a deep love for European art and literature on music and he also got a Doctorate from the University of Berlin in Economics.
In 1963, he was awarded the highest honour of the land, the Bharat Ratna for his great service to the nation. After serving as the Vice President for a term of five years, Dr. Zakir Hussain was elected President of India on May 13, 1967. In his deeply moving inaugural speech he said that the whole of India was his home and all its people were his family.
