Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1905–1977) was the fifth President of India, serving from 1974 until his death in 1977. He is best known for signing the proclamation of Emergency in 1975 on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Early Life and Education
Born: May 13, 1905, in Delhi, British India.
Background: Came from an influential family originally from Assam.
Education: Studied at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and later at Oxford University (St Catharine’s College, Cambridge), where he studied law and became a barrister.
Political Career
Joined the Indian National Congress in 1931 after meeting Jawaharlal Nehru.
Participated in the Indian freedom movement and was imprisoned during the Quit India Movement.
After independence, held several ministerial positions in Assam and later at the national level, including:
Minister of Agriculture
Minister of Education
Minister of Food and Cooperation
Presidency (1974–1977)
Elected President of India in 1974, becoming the second Muslim and one of the few presidents from the Northeast.
His term was overshadowed by the Emergency (1975–1977).
He controversially signed ordinances and Emergency-related documents without much resistance, raising questions about the independence of the presidency.
Death
Died in office on February 11, 1977, becoming the second Indian President to die while serving.
Legacy
His role during the Emergency has been criticized for being too compliant with executive overreach.
Remembered for his affable personality and deep roots in India’s independence movement.

Source : https://www.outlookindia.com/national/presiding-over-the-emergency-life-of-fakhruddin-ali-ahmed