Syed Abdul Malik

Syed Abdul Malik (1919 – 2000) was a renowned Assamese write who celebrated humanity through his literary works. He is best known for his immortal short stories, novels, poems and dramas. He also wrote many essays, travel literature, biographies and satire. Syed Abdul Malik is regarded as one of the foremost writers of Assamese literature.

Syed Abdul Malik Biography:

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Early days and education:

Syed Abdul Malik was born on January 14, 1919 in a Naharani of Golaghat district, Assam. His father was Syed Rahmat Ali and his mother was Syeda Latifunisha. Malik started his schooling from Naharani L. P. School. Then he continued his studies in a number of schools including Dergaon M.E. School, Dergaon High School and Jorhat Govt. High school. In 1937, Malik completed his Matriculation from the Jorhat Govt. High school with letter marks in Persian. He did his I.A. from Jorhat College in 1939. In 1941, Syed Abdul Malik earned B.A. Degree with Honours in English from Cotton College, Guwahati.

Service life:

The service life of Syed Abdul Malik was very interesting and eventful. He started in 1942 as an Assistant Inspector of Excise. Next year, he switched to the Army as a Civilian Censor. In 1946, he entered the teaching line and joined Jorhat College as a lecturer of Persian language. In 1950, he joined Dhekial High School as an Assistant teacher. But next year, he joined Kuralguri High School as the founder Head Master. During 1948-49, Malik also worked as a Programme Assistant in the Shillong-Guwahati Radio station. In 1951, Malik passed the M.A. Examination in Assamese from Calcutta University and joined the Jagannath Baruah College in Jorhat as a lecturer of Assamese. Malik remained with the college till 1976 when he retired from service as the head of Assamese department.

Social life:

Sayed Abdul Malik was associated with many organizations. For example: World Youth Federation, Indian Organisation of Progressive Writers, All India Peace Cultural Conference, Organisation of Afro-Asian Writers, All India Dramatic Organisation, Assam Sahitya Sabha, National Book Trust, All India Urdu Board, Assam Publication Board, Dibrugarh University, Gauhati University, North East Hills University, Advisory Board of Education, Culture and Social Welfare of Govt. of India, and more. In 1961, Malik became the secretary of the Audit Council of Assam Sahitya Sabha. In 1977, he became the President of Abhayapuri session of Assam Sahitya Sabha. In 1981, Malik participated in the International Conference of the minorities in England.

Political Career:

In 1945, Syed Abdul Malik joined the Muslim League. But after independence of India, he became associated with the Communist Party of India. Though he was not an active member, the Communist Party of India nominated him as a candidate in the 1957 General elections. Malik contested from the Jorhat – Golaghat Parliamentary seat but got defeated by the Congress Party candidate. Malik remained associated with the communist party until 1971, when he joined the Congress party. Next year, he contested the Assam legislative assembly election from Dergaon constituency. But once again, he got defeated in election. In 1976, Congress elected Syed Abdul Malik to the Rajya Sabha of Indian parliament. He continued to serve as a MP till 1982.

Literary works:

Maliks started writing in his school days. His first poem and first story was published in Ajoli, the annual magazine on Jorhat Govt High School. That was the beginning. He continued writing till his last days. He enriched Assamese literature with many novels, short stories and other literary works. The writings of Malik reflected humanity, Assam history, Assamese society and events of that period. His mastery over Assamese language, history and culture was incomparable. In 1972, Malik got Sahitya Academy Award for his novel “Aghari Atmar Kahini” (Tell of a Bohemian Soul).

Notable novels of Abdul Malik: Chabi Ghar (1958), Surujmukhir Swapna (1960), Adharsila (1960), Anya Akash Anya Tara (1962), Aghari Atmar Kahini (1969), Amar Maya (1970), Agnigarbha (1971), Dokmokali (1972), Sonali Sutare Bandha (1972) and more (full list with Assams.info).

Notable short story collections of Abdul Malik: Parasmoni (1946), Maram Maram Lage (1961), Sikhare Sikhare (1963), Andhakup (1977), Bibhatsa Bedana (1978), Mriganabhi (1989), Arihana (1996) and more.

Personal Life:

Syed Abdul Malik tied the knot in 1963. He married Syeda Hasna (Chisti), daughter of Dhai Ali of Sibsagar. He fathered one son and two daughters. In 1991, he performed Haj. In his later years, Malik suffered from Cancer. Syed Abdul Malik passed away on December 20, 2000.

Awards & Honours:

1972 – Sahitya Academy Award.
1981 – East India literary and Cultural Integration Award by Govt of West Bengal.
1984 – Padma Shri Award by Govt of India
1988 – Degree of doctor of literature by Dibrugarh University.
1992 – Padmabhusan Award and All India Harmony Award by Govt. of India.
1993 – Assam Express Award.
1994 – Assam Valley Literary Award, Mukta Kantha Award.
1995 – Ajan Fakir Award.
1996 – Moonlight Media Award.
1999 – Srimanta Shankar Deva Award, Sahityacharyya by Assam Sahitya Sabha.

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