The widening communal polarization in the south Indian state of Kerala was the topic of a seminar organized by Focus Jeddah, a youth organization of Indian expatriates, here recently.

The speakers urged political and media organizations to play effective role in promoting communal harmony in the state. Youth must play a leading role in changing the situation by organizing various programs, they said.

P.K. Abdul Ghafour of Arab News called upon Muslim organizations in the state to stop their infighting and work together for the betterment of the community. He also advised Muslims to establish sound relations with other communities.

C.K. Hassan Koya, subeditor of Malayalam News, stressed the need for upholding moral values by individuals in order to change the society. The program was held at the Indian Islahi Center Auditorium in Jeddah.

“The subject of the open forum assumes significance in the context of rising political killings in Kerala and weakening inter-communal relations,” said Prinsad Payyanakkal, CEO of Focus Jeddah, who presided over the function.

V.M. Ibrahim, executive editor of Gulf Madhyamam, Kabeer Kondotti of Thejas daily, C. K. Shakeer of Chandrika daily, Rafeeq Pathanapuram of Navodaya and Sakeer Hussein Edavanna (OICC) were other speakers.

Focus COO Shakeel Babu welcomed the speakers and participants, Abdul Jaleel from Focus presented a paper on the subject titled “Kerala: The deteriorating communal harmony.” Jareer Vengara gave the vote of thanks. A large number of people attended the seminar.