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Of late there’s a feeling of persecution and insecurity to the Muslim community in India.
Sometimes, I wonder whether it’s a created fear or a ground reality? I have several friends and relatives from Muslim community, as my parents belonged to undivided Kashmir! I’m born in Srinagar. Be that as it may … I just wish to mention that the Muslim community has extraordinary intellectuals and achievers. Some of them reached the highest ranks of constitutional posts.
India had several Muslim presidents, starting with Bharat Rattan Dr. Zakir Husain, who was the first to hold this office. Muslims who held the post of Presidents of India are:-
Bharat Rattan Dr. Zakir Husain (3rd President): He served as President from May 13, 1967, until his death in office on May 3, 1969. He was a renowned educationist and co-founder of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (5th President): He held office from August 24, 1974, until he died in office on February 11, 1977. Bharat Rattan Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (11th President): An eminent nuclear and aerospace scientist known as the ‘Missile Man of India’; served as President of India from July 25, 2002, to July 25, 2007. He was called ‘People’s President’ and played a pivotal role in India’s space and missile programs.
Mohammad Hidayatullah, who was the Chief Justice of Supreme Court Of India, served as an ‘acting President’ for a short period in 1969 when President Bharat Rattan Dr. Zakir Husain died and the Vice President V. V. Giri resigned to contest the presidential elections. He served as the Vice President of India from 1979 to 1984.
Salman Khurshid is the grandson of Dr. Zakir Husain, India’s third President, making his connection familial, not just politically; but @тБиSalman Khursheed MinisterтБй grew up in a family deeply rooted in education and national service, with Dr. Zakir Husain being a revered figure in his life, influencing his own political and educational path, as seen in photos of a young Salman with his grandfather. Salman Khurshid continued the work via, ‘Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust’. Dr. Zakir Husain was Salman Khurshid’s maternal grandfather.
Legacy and lineage: Salman Khurshid’s upbringing was in a family of distinguished educationists and leaders (including his dear father, Khurshed Alam Khan Saheb, a Union Minister); who instilled the values that shaped his career. He along with his wife Louise Khurshid run the Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, honoring his grandfather’s commitment to education and welfare of the underprivileged sections of society. In essence, their relationship is that of a respected grandfather, father, prominent political figures who carry forward family ideals in his own public life.
India had two Muslim vice presidents: Dr. Zakir Husain and Mohammad Hamid Ansari. Dr. Zakir Husain served as the second Vice President of India from May 13, 1962, to May 12, 1967, under President Dr. Sarv palli Radhakrishnan. He later became the third President of India and the first Muslim to hold the presidential office.
Mohammad Hamid Ansari served as the twelfth Vice President of India for two consecutive terms, from August 11, 2007, to August 10, 2017. His tenure is tied for the longest vice-presidential term in Indian history with that of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.Both individuals had notable careers in education and diplomacy before assuming the vice-presidency.
Three Muslim judges have served as the Chief Justice of India (CJI) till date:
Mohammad Hidayatullah: He was the 11th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, serving from February 25, 1968, to December 16, 1970. He also famously served as the acting President of India twice.
Mirza Hameedullah Beg (M. H. Beg) served as the 15th Chief Justice of India from January 29, 1977, to February 21, 1978.
Aziz Mushabber Ahmadi (Justice A. M. Ahmadi): He was the 26th Chief Justice of Supreme Court of India, with a tenure from October 25, 1994, to March 24, 1997.
Justice Altamash Kabir served as the 39th Chief Justice of India from September 29, 2012, to July 18, 2013.
Justice M. Fathima Beevi was an Indian judge who was appointed to the apex Court in 1989. She became the first lady judge of the Supreme Court of India, and the first Muslim woman to be appointed to any of the higher judiciaries in the country.
Justice Baharul Islam also served as a judge on the Supreme Court, after a career in the High Court and the Rajya Sabha.
All this gives me a feeling that the Muslim community is empowered enough to face any issues that conflict with their independence and dignity. These are my personal thoughts.
Neelam Mahajan Singh
Sr Journalist & Writer & Life member of IICC
