Month: March 2014
On : No attention has been paid to it,’ say Abu Dhabi residents of underground bins – The National Dt. 31 March 2014
Have you ever tried to photograph a Mynah?
Picture of rain explained dangers – The National Dt. 30 March 2014
Grating at Jebel Hafeet needs repairs – Gulf News Dt. 30 March 2014
An inspiring story – Gulf News Dt. 28-03-2014
An inspiring story.
I consider myself lucky to have visited the final day of the Abilities ME Exhibition and Conference, the first of its kind that offers support for the provision of education and awareness to people with special needs and disabilities. There were many interesting presentations and stalls. However, one young and vibrant person offering visitors an explanation about her stall caught my attention. She was Nilofar Saleem. A few years ago, I had met her when she was a student at Manzil, a centre for special needs in Sharjah. Then I met her at the same centre, when she became a staff member. Now, four years later, I was meeting her at this exhibition. I noticed several changes in her attitude. She was more confident and put on her trademark smile when I approached her. She is a person with global development delay (a person diagnosed with having a lower intellectual functioning than what is perceived as normal). Once she recognised me, she told me all about her new job and life. She now works with one of the leading banks in the UAE that has supported her to develop into a self sufficient young individual. It is an inspiring example of how an institution can groom an individual to become a breadwinner for a family and look ahead in life. How many organisations would be willing to support individuals like Saleem to find a firm footing in life?
From Mr Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi
Need to help out – Gulf Today – Short Take – 29 March 2014
Drivers must obey rules in wet weather – The National Dt. 27-03-2014
in print 27/03/2014
A bench with no place to sit – Khaleej Times – Dt. 24 March 2014
Dangerous driving – Gulf Today, Dt. 22 March 2014
I was crossing the Shahama area of the E11 Dubai – Abu Dhabi road. Roadwork was going on in that area. It is my routine to drive within the speed limit on the 2nd last lane and always watch out for dangerous movements happening behind through all the three mirrors.
Suddenly, I noticed a car coming in extremely fast, flashing the light several times, half through the ambulance and half through the fast lane.
He came and passed in a flash, so much so that I was unable to even identify the type of car or its number.
His driving created a dangerous feeling in my mind. I was aware of the roadwork a kilometre away and the road narrowing ahead.
My mind prompted me to call 999 without any hesitation. Promptly, the central unit of the UAE Police picked up the call. I explained to the officer that I was witnessing a dangerous driving situation on the road.
Upon identifying the route, the officer transferred the call to probably the unit in charge of the particular section. All this time, I was on hands-free and talking to them as I drove ahead. By the time he was able to zero in on the location, I reached ahead to the location where the roadwork was happening.
I noticed several metal particles on the road and then saw at least five cars damaged badly. One of them was on fire. I realised that I had just escaped! If I were one minute ahead, I would have been in that crash!
The officer was still on the phone and I told him, “Sir, no point now. The accident I was trying to avert has already happened. It looks like a major one. Please send the rescue team.”
I am sure he was speeding all along the way. If there was one other person who noticed this dangerous driving and was there to call and alert the UAE Police on 999, a few kilometres before me, it could have been a different story.
Until and unless we are able to change the attitude of these one-off dangerously crazy driving minds on our roads, it will never be safe.
Ramesh Menon
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