The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Jamia Milia Islamia on Wednesday paid rich tributes to Zakir Hussain, one of the founders of the university, on his 120th birth anniversary and praised him for his humanism and egalitarian approach.

"His novel and painstaking work in education opened a new chapter in the life of Jamia. The small sapling that he planted decades ago has now become a tree and is bearing fruits. His teachings and vision have become a mandate for us which we are working hard to fulfil," said VC Talat Ahmed expressing his gratitude to the former President of India.

Ahmad said that it is important to remember how Zakir Hussain rose above narrow divides and taught us not to differentiate among people on the lines of religion, caste, creed, race and gender.

He also demanded that the Bharat Ratna holder be "included in the category of the Saints of India" for his "extraordinary humanism".

Ahmed also mentioned Hussain's role as pioneer in introducing a 'Taleemi Mela' (Education Fair), because of which the "people in the neighbourhood ... too are sensitised about the importance of education".

The VC wished for lasting peace for the soul of Hussain and remarked that the university still abided by the ethos embodied by the late President.