I know you meant it as an illustrative example, but India has been a liberal democracy ever since it won its independence. We had a Muslim head of state in 196

I know you meant it as an illustrative example, but India has been a liberal democracy ever since it won its independence. We had a Muslim head of state in 1967 (Zakir Hussain). APJ Abdul Kalam - the President you refer to- was one of India's most beloved Presidents because he holds a double Ph. D. At the time he was elected, I think the Indian cabinet had the highest number of Ph. Ds in the world, for political (non-appointed) positions.