Syed Amjed Ahmed, the visionary founding director of the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC) and former esteemed professor and head of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Calicut University, passed away in Bengaluru on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the age of 76.
A truly beloved teacher and pioneering communication researcher, Dr. Ahmed left an indelible mark on the lives of innumerable students across the nation. His profound contributions secured his reputation as one of the country’s top five communication researchers, establishing a powerful and enduring legacy in academia.
Dr. Ahmed’s passing occurred in the early hours of Monday at a Bengaluru hospital, after a short illness compounded by lung complications. His Janazah prayers were scheduled at Masjid-e-Khadria, followed by burial at Al-Kuddus Burial Ground in Bengaluru on Monday evening.
Interestingly, Dr. Ahmed’s academic path began with an MSc in Geology from Bangalore University, but he later pivoted to pursue an MS degree in communication at the same institution, marking a significant shift in his career focus.
His professional career started at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), after which he joined Calicut University as a faculty member. He eventually rose to head the Department of Mass Communication there, where his significant contributions created a lasting positive impact.
A key milestone in his career was his pivotal role in establishing the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC) at Calicut University in 1998. This ground-breaking institution, the first of its kind in Kerala founded by the University Grants Commission (UGC), utilized information and communication technologies to significantly enhance higher education.
Recognizing his immense expertise, the UGC honored him with the prestigious Emeritus Fellow title. He continued his dedication to research and academia by leading a substantial project in collaboration with Bangalore University’s Department of Electronic Media.
H.S. Eswara, former professor of communication and psychology at Bangalore University, affectionately remembered Dr. Ahmed as an exceptional scholar, a truly lovable teacher, a sophisticated researcher, and an outstanding human being.
Syed Iqbal Hasnain, a distinguished glaciologist and former Vice Chancellor of Calicut University, lauded Dr. Ahmed for earning multiple awards for the university’s documentaries and films. Dr. Hasnain emphasized Dr. Ahmed’s enduring commitment to advancing education through multimedia.
Calicut University Vice Chancellor P. Raveendran, in his condolence message, warmly recalled Dr. Ahmed as a devoted educator who not only inspired his students but also significantly expanded their perspectives, thereby leaving an invaluable legacy at the university.
Jemimah Nyaboke, a former student from Kenya, shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling Dr. Ahmed as a teacher who connected deeply with his students worldwide. ‘He guided me as a daughter when I was in India. I remember his gentle, fatherly, yet firm voice while correcting and guiding me in my thesis,’ Ms. Nyaboke shared.
Film editor Suresh Pai honored Dr. Ahmed as ‘a visionary editor and a guiding force in the realm of media and communication.’ Mr. Pai added that Dr. Ahmed’s unwavering dedication to excellence served as an inspiration to countless journalists and media professionals.
Dr. Ahmed is survived by his beloved wife, Rahana, and their son, Saad.