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Dr. Zakir Husain
Dr. Zakir Husain was born in Hyderabad, Telengana on 8 February 1897. He was a great educationist, politician of India and a great believer of Gandhian philosophy.
He was an organizer of vocational educational system in India. His efforts were instrumental in the foundation of Jamia Millia Islamia (a central university). Dr. Husain was one of the most prominent educational thinkers and practitioners of modern India. He engaged himself with movements for better educational reforms in India.
He was closely associated with the Indian freedom movement. He was appointed as a governor and did a lot of work for the upliftment of Bihar state. He also became the first Muslim President of India on 13 May 1967.
For his exceptional contribution in politics and education field he got the Bharat Ratna in 1963. Dr. Husain died on 3 May 1969.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
