Friendship Day Calls for concerted efforts to strengthen real human relationships
Doha: A vibrant Friendship Day celebration organised by Media Plus in association with Address Gateway has called for collective efforts to nurture genuine human relationships and strengthen the culture of meaningful friendships in an era increasingly dominated by digital interactions.
The gathering brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, writers, social activists and media personalities, all of whom emphasised that while technology has made communication easier, it should never replace the warmth, trust and emotional support that define real friendships.
Inaugurating the event, KBF President Shaheen Muhammed Shafi said that friendship is one of the greatest assets in human life and urged society to create environments where people can build lasting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and compassion.
Delivering the keynote address, Habeeburahman Kizhisseri, Executive Director of Friends Cultural Centre, reflected on the timeless values that sustain true friendship. He noted that genuine friendship is built on honesty, empathy, loyalty and selfless concern for one another, and called upon society to uphold these noble ideals in everyday life.
The speakers observed that while social media and digital platforms have expanded opportunities for communication, many relationships today remain confined to the virtual world without developing into meaningful personal connections. They stressed that virtual friendships alone cannot fulfil the emotional and social needs of individuals, and encouraged people to invest time in building authentic relationships based on trust, understanding and shared experiences.
Addressing the gathering, Asha Shamsheer, Managing Partner of Address Gateway, said meaningful friendships contribute significantly to personal wellbeing and stronger communities. She urged individuals to make conscious efforts to preserve relationships despite increasingly busy lifestyles.
Jeby K. John, Managing Director of Qatar Tec, highlighted the importance of friendship in both personal and professional life, noting that trust, cooperation and mutual respect are the foundations of every successful relationship.
Muhammed Noushad Abu, Managing Director of New Good Will Cargo, said friendships built on sincerity and compassion become invaluable sources of strength during life’s challenges and should be cherished throughout life.
Dr. Sheela Philipose, Managing Director of Doha Beauty Centre, spoke about the emotional wellbeing that emerges from healthy relationships and encouraged people to reconnect with family members, friends and neighbours through genuine human interaction rather than depending solely on digital communication.
Abdul Rauf Kondotty, Member of the Lok Kerala Sabha, said friendship has always been one of the strongest forces that unites communities beyond differences of culture, nationality and religion, and called upon expatriates to preserve this spirit while living away from their homeland.
The programme also featured inspiring messages from Deepak C.G., Rafi Parakkattil, presenter of the motivational programme Vijayamanthrangal, renowned author Nishab Guruvayoor, Zubair Pandavath, Jafar Jathieri, Sham Doha, and Aman, who shared personal reflections on the value of friendship and the role of genuine relationships in leading a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Throughout the programme, speakers unanimously called upon society to move beyond superficial online interactions and cultivate friendships rooted in compassion, trust, understanding and shared human values. They observed that real friendships not only enrich individual lives but also contribute to stronger families, healthier communities and a more caring society.
The organisers noted that Friendship Day should not merely be a symbolic celebration but an opportunity for self-reflection on the quality of human relationships in contemporary society. They encouraged people to reconnect with old friends, appreciate those who have stood by them during difficult times and invest in relationships that inspire personal growth and emotional wellbeing.
The event concluded with a renewed call for society to prioritise genuine human connections over superficial digital interactions, reaffirming that true friendship remains one of life’s greatest blessings and an enduring foundation for peace, unity and social harmony.
The programme was effectively coordinated by Dr. Amanulla Vadakkangara, CEO of Media Plus, who welcomed the gathering and emphasised the importance of creating platforms that promote meaningful dialogue, community engagement and enduring human relationships.
