Tribute paid to Prof (Dr.) Rafiul Hussain

Late Prof. (Dr.) Rafiul Hussain (September 9, 1926 to December 10, 1993) was the founder-professor of Biochemistry as an independent department at the Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh. He was an alumni of its first batch. After his doctoral research at the National Institute of Nutrition under ICMR, he proceeded to the USA for post-doctoral research on a Rockefeller fellowship. There, his seminal work on radio-isotopic studies on Iron metabolism won him global recognition and accolades. Despite having prestigious offers, he chose to come back to his Alma-mater to serve his motherland.

In due course, the department flourished to the post-graduate level under his dynamic, disciplined and dedicated leadership – both as a gifted teacher and a research -guide. Besides serving as an MCI-inspector and an external examiner, he was also in the UK on a British Council fellowship in 1980.

A music aficionado and sports enthusiast, Prof Hussain was an epitome of kindness, compassion, mirth and merriment behind a seemingly stern exterior. His meticulousness, combined with dexterity, was revealed right from homemaking and culinary skills to college and social festivals. He was often forthright and non-partisan in his public engagements. He left behind his daughter, Veena, and two sons, Razvee and Parveez, son-in-law, Dr NM Dilawar Hasan, daughter-in-law, Ashfia and Nishad, grandchildren, besides a host of admirers.

Today, on this day, which marks the 25th year of his demise, he is respectfully remembered for his sterling qualities of head and heart and with prayers for his eternal peace.

— Family members