| Stamp Information | : | Dr. Zakir Hussain represented the best in our national culture and in the world's heritage of civilization. In him, the intellectual, the aesthetic and the practical blended harmoniously. Rare indeed are individuals in whom thought, speech and action are so fully integrated. Distinguished and poised, he chose the profession of a teacher and throughout his life he thought us greater sensitivity, greater devotion to ideals and to selfless work. The nation mourns a great President and a great representative of the true spirit of India. Indira Gandhi New Delhi May 14, 1969. MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION & BROADCASTING INDIA New Delhi. 19th May, 1969 In issuing a special commemorative stamp in honour of the late Dr. Zakir Hussain, the third President of Indian Republic, the Posts and Telegraphs Department offers its humble homage and tribute to a great patriot, an eminent educationalist and an erudite scholar. He symbolised the best traditions of our composite Indian culture and served the nation with an outstanding sense of dedication to duty for nearly half a century. As the president, he had examplified in himself our conception of a secular democracy in a very worthy manner. His keen devotion to scholastic and cultural pursuits gave a new meaning to the concept of service to the cause of education. His association with the Jamia Milia, the Aligarh Muslim University and numerous other institutions marked an era of service to the cause of education in this country. He has been a shining example of erudition dignity, nobility and humility. In his sudden demise the nation has lost a leader of high intellectual and moral eminence. May his memory remain evergreen with us as an example of lofty ideals and gentle behaviour. Satya Narayan Sinha REGISTERED No. D. 221 The Gazette of India EXTRAORDINARY PART I - Section I PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No.63] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, MAY 6, 1969/VAISHAKHA 16, 1898 Separate paging is given to this part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation. PRSIDENT'S SECRETARIATE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 5th May 1969 No. 24-Pres./69.- At eleven - twenty hours on the morning of Saturday, may 3, 1969, death came suddenly to Dr. Zakir Hussain, third President of Republic India. An eminent educationalist and thinker, he symbolised the best traditions of Indian culture and served with exemplary dedication for nearly fifty years. 2. Zakir Hussain was born on February 8, 1897, in Hyderabad where his father had migrated from Uttar Pradesh. Loosing his father at an early age, he returned to his ancestral home. After studying at the islamia High school, Etawah, 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. His record at College was brilliant not only in academic achievement but also in extra-curricular activities. 3. The turning point in his life came in October 1920 when mahatma Gandhi accompanied by Ali Brothers, visited Aligarh to explain his doctrine of Satyagraha and the need to boycott educational institutions controlled by the British Government. Zakir Hussain, then only 23 and a student of the M.A. class, was among the small group of students and teachers who were so profoundly moved that they 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." He summed up Gandhiji's teachings and his own ideals in these words : to lead a pure life, individual and social; to insist on the means being as pure as the end; to have an active and sustained sympathy for the weak and down-trodden; to forge unity among the diverse sections of the Indian people. And Dr. Zakir Hussains life was very embodiment of these ideals. 4. Zakir Hussains unceasing quest of knowledge took him to Germany in the twenties. During his three years stay there, he acquired a deep love for European art, literature on music. The University of Berlin conferred upon him a Doctorate for his work in Economics, the subject of his special study. Even while absorbed in his scholastic and cultural pursuits, Dr. Zakir Hassain was untiring in expounding the meaning of India's fight for freedom under Gandhiji's leadership. 5. Returning to India in 1926, he became, at the young age of 29, the Vice Chancellor of Jamia, which had moved to Delhi. He held the position for two decades. He and his colleagues took a vow of simplicity to insure that the University's finances were not strained. Dr. Zakir Hussain's inspiration and leadership made the Jamia into one of the leading institutions of its kind in the country. 6. In 1937 Mahatma Gandhi invited him to head the National Committee on Basic Education to evolve a system of education suited to the need and the genius of a country where the overwhelming majority lived in the villages. The Jamia itself became a pioneering centre of educational experiments. Dr. Zakir Hussain remained President of the Hindustani Talimi Sangh until 1950. He wrote extensively. Among his books are an Urdu translation of Plato's Republic, a critique of Capitalism, translations of several works on economics and education, and books for children. 7. Dr. Zakir Hussain refrained from active politics so as to be able to give his all to his University. In 1948, he took up the Vice-chancellorship of the Aligarh Muslim University at the insistence of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He infused a new outlook in the University during his stewardship of eight years. He was also called upon to serve on a number of educational and other committees and commissions including the University Education commission and the Press Commission. 8. Dr. Zakir Hussain was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1952 as a distinguished savant. He was renominated in 1956. In 1957 he was appointed Governor of Bihar, an office he held until 1962. He continued to serve the cause of education and culture within the country and abroad in many ways. He represented India in UNESCO, and served as a member of its Executive Board during the years 1956-58. he traveled and lectured widely in Europe and America, propounding his ideas on education. he once defined a University as "primarily a community of scholars and students who should be treated as responsible members of a free and academic society, free to think, free to express their thoughts, free to refuse, to conform, free to be unorthodox and even free to err." This broad vision inspired his work as an educationalist throughout his life. 9. He was elected Vice-President of the Republic, in 1962. As ex-office Chairman of the Rajya-Sabha he won the respect of the House through his erudition, impartiality and gentleness. he visited many countries of Asia, Africa and the West. In 1963, he was awarded the highest honour of the land, the Bharat Ratna for his great service to the nation. 10. After serving as the Vice President for a term of five years, Dr. Zakir Hussain was elected President of the Republic in May, 1967. In his deeply moving inaugural speech he said that the whole of India was his home and all its people were his family. His wisdom and healing touch were of immense value to the nation during periods of stress and strain. His vision and adherence to principles, his grace and dignity, his high aesthetic sensibility, his understanding and compassion added a new luster to the high office he held, and earned for him the affection and admiration of all sections of people. 11. Death has taken away this great patriot, scholar and humanist. The country loses a person of great intellectual and moral imminence who embodied man's heritage of nobility, goodness and truth. NAGENDRA SINGH Secy. to the president. PRINTED BY THE GENERAL MANAGER, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA PRESS, NEW DELHI AND PUBLISHED BY THE MANAGER OF PUBLICATION, DELHI, 1969. |
