The media community in the United Arab Emirates is grieving the simultaneous passing of two former Khaleej Times employees, both of whom died from cardiac complications on the same day in their native Kasargod district in Kerala, India.
P.S. Seedi, who dedicated 31 years of service to the publication’s classifieds department from 1977 until his departure in 2008, succumbed to a heart attack at age 78. Remembered by former colleagues as exceptionally devoted to the organization, Seedi maintained strong connections with former coworkers long after his retirement. Former IT professional A. Abdulla of the Galadari Brothers Group recalled Seedi’s enduring concern for the newspaper’s circulation performance even years after leaving the company, describing him as perpetually cheerful and genuinely caring toward everyone in his orbit.
In a tragic coincidence, Bappu Valappil, who served as an office assistant in the KT newsroom from 1996 to 2004, also passed away due to cardiac issues on the same Saturday. Valappil was celebrated for his deep commitment to family and community service following his return from the Gulf region, where he built bridges across diverse religious communities through his social activism.
Suresh Pattali, Executive Editor of Khaleej Times, shared poignant memories of both individuals, noting Seedi’s lively engagement with state politics and Valappil’s quiet professionalism in monitoring breaking news developments. Both men leave behind grieving families—Seedi is survived by his wife and two sons, while Valappil is remembered by his wife, two sons, and daughter.
The dual loss has reverberated through the close-knit expatriate media community, highlighting the enduring bonds formed within the UAE’s journalistic institutions and the profound impact these dedicated professionals had on their colleagues and organization.