C.H. Mohammed Koya Chair for Studies on Developing Societies

C.H. Mohammed Koya Chair for Studies on Developing Societies is an academic forum at the University of Calicut. The Chair holds workshops, training programmes, seminars and talks throughout the year.

The Chair is named after Kerala's former Chief Minister C.H. Mohammed Koya (1927-1983) who held Education, Home and Public Works portfolios as well among others in state government, apart from being the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and Member of Parliament.

Son of a poor religious teacher, he began his career as a journalist. He was a Voracious reader, multi-tasking intellect, orator and statesman which made him a mass leader.

He wrote at least nine books and several essays in Kerala's leading publications. As a Minister of Education, he was pivotal in establishing the University of Calicut and the Cochin University of Science and Technology

The Chair came into being through an order of the University (No.GA IV/ B1/1530/2009 dated 16/09/2010).

The Chair began functioning on 24th February 2011 in a high profile event. The then Minister of State for External Affairs Shri. E.Ahmed delivered the inaugural address. Panakkad Syed Hyder Ali Shihab Thangal, the president of the Grace Educational Association, presided over the function.

'Grace Educational Association' is the Donor Organisation of the Chair, as stipulated by the University. ‘Grace’ is an NGO based in Malappuram comprising a group of academicians, philanthropists, and volunteers.

The Chair regularly holds and funds Fellowships, Certificate Courses, Outreach Activities, Orientation Programs, Workshops, Educational and Career Guidances.