The Jeddah-based Social Media Forum, which is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, was launched by a group of Indian expats with the intent of enlightening the public on the need to use this fast spreading media with responsibility to promote goodness, moral values and communal harmony.

Irshad Ahmad, consul for press, information and culture at the Indian Consulate, opened the forum and highlighted the new media’s powerful impact on society. “It has become part and parcel of the human society,” he said.

Ahmad warned the public against the misuse of social media, adding that it would create misunderstanding, suspicion, depression, suicidal thinking, disintegration of families, cheating, blackmail and spreading rumors.

“I am happy to learn that the sole purpose of the Jeddah Social Media Forum is to create awareness among the Indian expat community on effective, constructive and responsible use of this media and promote the ideals of human brotherhood and cross cultural understanding,” the consul said.

Ahmad emphasized the need for intensive campaigns among all sections of society, the old and the young, men and women, boys and girls to educate them on effective and constructive use of the social media.

He congratulated K.T. Abubacker, chairman of the forum, and his team for taking up this important cause.

“Let’s extend our full support to this forum,” the consul said to the applause of a large gathering at Impala Auditorium in Sharafiyah.

Earlier, Usman Iringattiri, president of the forum, explained the organization’s vision and mission. A large number of social media fans attended the gathering as they came in response to a call made by Iringattiri on the Facebook “Let us meet.”

A number of mediapersons attended the event.