Dr. Meraj Ahmad is a Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad. He has over 17 years of academic and professional experience, spanning teaching, research, media practice, and academic administration.

He was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mass Communication in 2026. His doctoral research, titled “Dissent and Resistance in Post-Colonial Indian Theatre: Examining the Plays of Habib Tanveer and Safdar Hashmi”, critically explores theatre as a medium of resistance and socio-political expression in postcolonial India.

Dr. Ahmad’s research interests include film studies, theatre, television and video production, photography, graphic design, and public relations. He has published books, book chapters, and research articles in reputed journals, and has presented papers at national and international conferences, including the International Federation of Theatre Research (IFTR) Conference held in Manila, Philippines.

He is the Editor of the Journal of Gandhian Studies and serves on editorial and review boards of academic journals. He has also received international travel grants for academic conferences.

He has been actively involved in the university's academic, cultural, and student-centric activities. Dr. Ahmad has played a significant role in coordinating and organizing various cultural, literary, and academic programmes at the university level. Under his coordination, students have brought laurels to the University by securing prizes in national-level youth festivals and competitions organized by reputed bodies such as the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Ahmad has held several key administrative and cultural responsibilities at MANUU, including Cultural Coordinator, President of the University Drama Club, Senior Warden (Boys’ Hostel), and Assistant Director, Directorate of Admissions. He has played a pivotal role in mentoring students and promoting cultural, theatrical, and creative activities within the university.