Syed Maruf Hussain is a social worker, cultural activist, interviewer and talk show host, lawyer, and Junior Engineer in Computer Science with CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) qualification, based in Guwahati, Assam. He is a Central Executive Member of the Asam Sahitya Sabha (2025–2027) and Convenor of its Sub-Committee for Preservation and Promotion of Performing Arts.
Cultural Preservation and Recognition
In 2024, he was felicitated by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, with the Jikir-Jari Sanjeevani (Prosarak) recognition for his contribution to preserving and promoting traditional Jikir-Jari performances. He has recorded more than 60 Jikir and 20 Jari performances from different parts of Assam for cultural preservation.
Parishay Assam Trust
As the Founder of Parishay Assam Trust, he works to promote Assamese folk music, women’s empowerment, and social awareness. With support from the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, he organised an International Women’s Day programme on 8 March 2024, where more than 150 women were felicitated. Through interviews and talk shows, he highlights the struggles, achievements, and contributions of hardworking people from various fields.
Assamese Syed Welfare Trust
As a Settlor of the Assamese Syed Welfare Trust, he has contributed to community welfare and cultural preservation. The Trust invited Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma to its first anniversary celebration on 19 December 2021, where Jikir was presented before him. The Trust also advocated the revival of the Azan Peer Award and the Syed Abdul Malik Award, which had remained discontinued for many years and have since been revived by the Government of Assam.
Community Unity and Social Welfare
Since September 2024, he has served as Coordinator of the Goria–Moria–Deshi–Syed and Jolha (Tea Community) Janagosthiya Oikya Mancha, Assam, working towards community unity, cultural identity, and social welfare.
In 2016, as Founder General Secretary of Friends Path Development Committee, he initiated local development projects, including addressing waterlogging with support from the PWD Department, installing streetlights, and improving road accessibility through covered drainage systems.
Contributions to Asam Sahitya Sabha
As a Central Executive Member and Convenor of the Sub-Committee for Preservation and Promotion of Performing Arts, he has contributed to numerous cultural and community programmes organised by the Asam Sahitya Sabha.
Huria Abeli: Organised a cultural programme featuring Jikir-Jari, Borgeet, Thiyonam, Dihanam, and traditional Jari performances by itinerant singers from Jajori, Nagaon. The programme also included a musical tribute to Zubeen Garg.
Borgeet Workshop, Barpeta: Contributed to a five-day workshop held at Nahatista, Barpeta, promoting Assam’s devotional music tradition.
Zubeen Garg’s Adya Shraddha and Memorial Meeting: Helped organise a memorial programme featuring prayers from different religions to promote communal harmony, unity, and mutual respect.
Arunodoi Programme, Assam Book Fair, Khanapara: Organised a cultural programme featuring Nitumoni Saikia, Editor-in-Chief of Pratidin Time, as Chief Guest.
Banai Community Intellectual and Cultural Convention: Contributed to a dedicated convention highlighting the cultural heritage and contributions of the Banai community.
Goria–Moria–Deshi–Syed and Jolha Community Academic and Cultural Convention: Contributed to organising a dedicated convention for these communities. Resolutions adopted at the convention were submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam through the Sabha’s General Secretary.
Snehbandhan Programme: Helped organise a special programme honouring persons with disabilities and promoting dignity, inclusion, and social recognition.
He has also participated in various meetings and programmes organised by the Asam Sahitya Sabha across Assam, supporting cultural preservation, traditional performing arts, community recognition, social inclusion, and communal harmony.
