Month: April 2014

Don’t be oblivious – Letters to the editor – Gulf News – 20.04.2014

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Don’t be oblivious
Last week, I witnessed a horrendous sight during lunch time at a parking spot in Electra Street, Abu Dhabi. From experience, I have always had the belief that drivers on our roads are and always will tend to be careless towards the safety of themselves and other living beings. This was confirmed when I was leaving from an apartment and noticed blood and crushed body parts of some small animals.
A closer look at the area really made me feel sad, as I found three kittens that had been run over and were breathing their last, thanks to a driver who had parked in the location, and then driven off, without any care. There was no one in the vicinity when I approached the kittens and I was having a hard time moving the two living felines out of danger by myself. By the time I brought a small supporting platform to lift one kitten and place it safely on the pavement, another driver came in a rush and ran over the remaining kitten! Convincing him to move his vehicle and taking the injured kitten to a suitable place and caretaker was not an easy task.
I wish our drivers cared a bit more about their surroundings, and paid attention not only to the road but also the obstacles they might come across the whole time they are on the wheel.
World Safety Day is on April 28. Let ‘Safety first’ be our motto – for all living beings.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi

Gulf News – 20th April 2014
To read it in original, please visit Gulf News online

This entry was posted in Gulf News, HSE, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Road Safety, Safety First.

A taste of culture – Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 19.04.2014

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A taste of culture
The UAE offers a perfect example of unity in diversity where an expatriate gets to know about various cultures, history and traditions.
It was such an occasion for me, being an Indian expatriate living in Abu Dhabi. The entertainment section of the Indian Social and Cultural Centre organised a cultural programme to celebrate the new year of various regional communities in a combined way. 
It was a harmonious blend of various festivities like Vishu, Ugadi, Pohela Boishakh, Bihu, Maha Vishu Sankranti, Varshapirappu, Baisakhi and Gudi Padwa. It united all residents from East, West, North and South of India with unique performances related to their region.
It was such a great evening that gave all a chance to understand that, to whichever part they belong, there is only one derivative for harmony and that is melodious music and rhythmic performance of dancers.
All the artists deserve credit. The organisers gave an opportunity for children and adults to understand deeper the unexplored country they came from. It turned out to be an evening not to forget for a long time.
Ramesh Menon

Gulf Today – Short Take – 19th April 2014
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online

This entry was posted in Gulf Today, ISC, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Short Take.

Our Story of the Date Palms – Unearthing a hidden treasure

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Our Story of the Date Palms – Unearthing a hidden treasure

If you ask me, what is the most beautiful thing happening in the UAE currently, I will ask you to look at my photos herewith. It is purely natural and currently happening. If you postpone to observe this process for another, you will not get to enjoy it.

Can you see in it a crocodile with its mouth opened? Indeed yes, this crocodile has a big treasure of bounty for the UAE farmers!

A date palm tree with flowers, the branches have been captured as if nature is handing over the flowers to someone. Indeed, time for a new options to think for UAE farmers with date palm cultivation!

Date Palm Tree flower in close up. These look like the Jasmine flowers of our desert. Nurture them, harvest them, and let the nation prosper with another hidden treasure.

They say, there is always someone in a hurry among us. In this natural process too, if you observe, you will see, some flowers bloomed a bit earlier and already into the next stage. This is also a teaser of what awaits you, if you follow this process till the end.

Look at these bloomed flowers you will definitely admit, this is one of the best natural thing happening in the UAE right now. Take out your camera, enjoy the process with your family and friends. Let there be many more natural team building opportunities evolve.

As a long standing resident of the UAE, it is my interest in the local culture and tradition that led me to observe the flowering pattern and process of the date palm trees.
There is lot to learn when one observe it closely. History, culture, tradition, trade and commerce everything embedded in it. The result is an astounding 130,000 ton or more of dates sold and exported from UAE per annum!
For those interested in photography, I have an event “Our Story of the Date Palm Trees” created to photograph the process in the coming 4 months, submit them regularly along with a 300 words story in your language of the experience of following this natural process. Mind you, it is a challenge and it will test your determination and dedication to achieve a set goal. A good team building activity for parents with children, teachers with students and colleagues. All are welcome.
You may submit them at team1talentshare@gmail.com or in a dedicated event “Our Story of the Date Palm Trees” created at Passionate Photographers group on Facebook.
View each of the photos and start watching them from today. Follow the story at the online event “Our Story of the Date Palm Trees”https://www.facebook.com/events/599177313457758/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

Please share this post with friends and family, who, you think will be interested.

This entry was posted in Our Story of the Date Palms, Passionate Photographers, Photo Speaks, The National.

The National – 6th birthday edition – 17 April 2014 An exclusive photo

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The National – 6th birthday edition – 17 April 2014
An exclusive 


This entry was posted in Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Our Story of the Date Palms, The National.

“Start Early, Drive Carefully, Reach Safely” Safety First campaign

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“Start Early, Drive Carefully, Reach Safely” Safety First campaign through http://www.clicksandwrites.blogspot.com
Special Message @ Gulf News live coverage of IPL T20 2014 from Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

16th April 2014

This entry was posted in Gulf News, HSE, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Road Safety, Safety First.

Keep cyclists out of motorways – The National – 14 April 2014

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Keep cyclists out of motorways
I was alarmed to see a group of cyclists on Sheikh Khalifa motorway last week. It was dark and they were not wearing any high-visibility clothing. Seeing them that way and realising the danger, I stopped at a convenient place and waited for them to arrive.
Upon checking, I found out that they were cycling enthusiasts who follow this route regularly. Some of them live in Musaffah.
While the intention is good, I thought it was extremely dangerous. I request the authorities to take stern action so that cyclists don’t jeopardise their lives and those of the motorists.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

The National – 14 April 2014

This entry was posted in HSE, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Road Safety, Safety First, The National.

Talented kids

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Talented kids

It was a special morning for me today. I was among a group of creative little minds that came to participate in the Blossom 2014 – a UAE open drawing and painting competition conducted by the Literary Section of India Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi.

Children from 7 to 17 years participated. Various interesting themes were given to them to express their mind and thoughts into a work of art on paper, either by sketching or drawing and colouring.

Believe me, the feelings of watching them express their imagination was beyond words. Some of them were truly talented. The way they started on a blank paper and finished was amazing.

From Abu Dhabi Corniche to Sheikh Zayed Mosque, date palm trees, fish market, pets and various other themes, they freaked out using a wild world of colours and lines.

Such kids have to be encouraged further and as a group we decided we would do our best.

However, it also brought out certain important observations. Some of them had never seen Abu Dhabi Corniche! Where the sun rises in Abu Dhabi Corniche? Some of them did not know how a date palm tree or how the steering wheel of a car looked like! Questions were aplenty.

It is an alarm and a reminder to parents and teachers. Interact with your children and students. Create a two-way conversation and nurture their talents. Allow them to express their minds and thoughts. Let them speak more and give your valuable time to listen to them. Show them and explain to them what is around and what is happening around.

Do not miss it out. Do not underestimate them and their talents! They are indeed a powerhouse of both. Give more time to family and children. End of the day, our world should revolve around them.

Ramesh Menon
Gulf Today – Short Take – 12 April 2014

This entry was posted in Gulf Today, ISC, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Short Take.

Evicted Indian family living in lobby in Dubai – Gulf News – 09 April 2014

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Evicted Indian family living in lobby in Dubai

It is very sad to see and read these stories coming up often through your columns. Thank god, at least for this person, the credit card debt is only 90K, compared to others who listed in similar situations. Both this and the rental dues could be talked out and sorted out or reduced with the help of experts willing to assist. I am sure, he will be able to sort out things with the help of compassionate readers and take his family back home for better and economical treatment to recover. Hope things will turn around positive for him and he can take care of his wife’s treatment back home and education of his children too. An example of Gulf News’s CSR commitments to the society. My salute to the team who brought out this story and to all those who came forward to assist.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

To read the related article and my reply in original, please visit GULF NEWS online

This entry was posted in Gulf News, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014.

Tribute paid to the Ultimate Warrior – The National – Dt. 11 April 2014

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Tribute paid to the Ultimate Warrior



In the late 1980s, those living in Abu Dhabi had very limited entertainment choices.

The wrestling shows broadcast on television and played on pre-recorded video cassettes were among the most keenly watched programmes.

It was at that time that real-life “Ultimate Warrior”, James Hellweg, rose to prominence.

Children and adults alike waited for him to appear and thrash his opponents, which often included the then reigning champions.

As I read the news about his demise, it took me back several years, to when life in the UAE was entirely different. The world, and especially in terms of entertainment options, has changed completely since then.

I am sure many who lived here in the 1980s will relive those days through the commemorations to this great artist and athlete.

Rest in peace, Ultimate Warrior.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the editor : The National Dt. 11 April 2014

This entry was posted in Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, The National.

A lively world of sound and action

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Following the Mynah’s, I have found a highly active group. More about them in detail in the coming days. Mind you, they are very very busy, and have no time to pose!

A Park, Ride and Click project by Passionate Photographers.

Interested to join, contact me. There is always an opportunity to click and write. Its in you and discover it, exhibit it without inhibition at Passionate Photographers group. Share this note, with friends and family interested in photography. Join Passionate Photographers group and display your click.

More encouragement awaits regular members who participate with interest, display their clicks and bring in more members.

This entry was posted in Mind Speaks, Passionate Photographers.