Community Service

Beware of date expired fruit juices and products being sold in Pampa and Sabarimala

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Dear devotees, consumers, 
I happened to notice that many date expired products are being sold in the small stalls on way to Sannidhanam, Sabarimala from Pampa. Please be careful and as far as possible avoid buying these products.
Necessary alerts and requests have been made to the authorities concerned. However, it is up to us to take care.
Swami Saranam.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
July 2013

This entry was posted in Community Reports, Community Service, Photo Speaks, Sabarimala, TQM India.

Used Book Fair aims to encourage youth to read more

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Used Book Fair aims to encourage youth to read more


Fair promotes the vrtues of reading, volunteering and brings the community together
By Ramesh Menon, Gulf News reader
Published: 00:00 February 17, 2013

Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) is finalising preparations for the fifth Used Book Fair, which will be held from February 26 to March 1 at the Palm Garden by Khalid Lagoon. Books are currently being accepted from anyone who wishes to donate, provided the books are in good condition. One can donate books in any language, but magazines and textbooks will not be accepted.

Schools that donate less than 2,000 books will be allocated one booth and those that donate more than 2,000 will be allowed two. Participants will be given a certificate of achievement.

Students who donate more than 20 books will also receive a certificate.

The Used Book Fair is organised every two years and has a number of objectives, such as promoting the habit of reading by offering low-priced books, planting the spirit of volunteering in the minds of the youth and raising funds to support the services offered by SCHS to people with special needs. 

SCHS is a local non-profit organisation, which was founded in 1979 and aims to change society’s attitude towards people with special needs and effect policies regarding disability-related issues. It also aspires to pave the way to a brighter future for children with mental and physical challenges, giving them confidence and a chance to live in a society that provides equal opportunities.

During the four days of the fair, visitors will find books available for as little as Dh3.

The last day to donate books is February 24.

Anyone wishing to donate books can contact SCHS on 06-5669966, SCHS Collection Supervisor Mihraj Abdul Rahim on either 06-5671117 or 050-7965576 or drop them at SCHS premises in the Al Yarmouk area of Sharjah.

The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi. Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com 

 To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online

This entry was posted in Community Reports, Community Service, Gulf News, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2013, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

5th Used Book Fair – invitation to donate books

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Inviting you all to participate in this noble cause.

The organisers are looking for books in all languages. So, all departments can contribute. For example, malayalam, tamil, french or hindi books are also welcome. (No text books, magazines or periodicals please).

A student who contribute 20 books will get a certificate, more books contributed together will bring in more credit to the school. For your convenience, Attached flyer can be posted on your notice boards or website. Deadline to donate books – 20 February 2013.

In case you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

This entry was posted in Community Service, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

5th Used Book Fair – an invitation to donate books

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This entry was posted in Community Service, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

Safer roads – Letters to the Editor – Gulf News Dt 31 Jan 2013

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Safer roads

I took a look at the newspaper recently and was horrified to see the photo of a totally burned car, resulting in the death of an Emirati – yet another victim of speeding on our roads. A search of news reports over the past two months showed me at least 12 other similar deaths due to speeding. What’s happening to our drivers?

There is clearly a crisis.

A closer look revealed the alarming fact that most of these vehicles are driven by educated men and women.

Does this show that there is a lack of willingness to acknowledge and respect safety initiatives in place?
If so, it has to be controlled by initiating stricter rules and regulations so that no life is lost due to dangerous driving.

I suggest the authorities bring in a fine system which is pro rata, based on the type and model of the vehicle and driver involved. In addition, all automobile dealers should be requested to give a 2-3 hour mandatory safety training to the new owner, with a certification issued after successful completion that he is well aware of the controls of the car he is going to own and fit and safe enough to drive it.

I wish to see zero tolerance on speeding on our roads and no fatalities in the future, as a result. 

From Mr Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online

The thoughts behind my letter were based on these news items published in the GULF NEWS:

This entry was posted in Community Reports, Community Service, Gulf News, HSE, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2013.

How many more deaths we need before a pedestrian over bridge at Kadugodi?

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How many more deaths we need before a pedestrian over bridge at Kadugodi?

Every morning and evening we witness very sad scenes at this major point of Whitefield.
The railway crossing connecting Kadugodi population, the Bus stand and Railway Station is causing lot of difficulties for all.
At any given time there will be a goods train with endless carriages, waiting for signal.
It makes life difficult for all age a difficult process to cross over. It is extremely difficult in the morning as one rush to the bus stand to reach office or school. Children and aged have to squeeze down or walk all the way till the end and then cross over.
At night time, there is absolutely no light making it all the more difficult.
Add to these the perils of no light and human and animal feces.
Last month, a series of deaths happened and authorities, as usual came out with interim measures like police posting, and offer of a pedestrian overbridge soon. But, it all died down, and now we do not see any police and the story of the long train blocking the smooth passage of the population continues once again.
All responsible authorities are aware of this, but they find it interesting to pass the blame from one responsible shoulder to another.
This is a serious safety issue that affects the normal movement general public in and around Kadugodi and Whitefield, irrespective of whether they are rich or poor, old or young, man or women. Thus, I request authorities to kindly stop having a callous approach to this citizen problem.
A senior railway official, who responded, informs that:

·        No provision was available in the old estimate of road over bridge, to construct foot over bridge at the above location. This might be due to the reason that the old estimate for the road over bridge was prepared long ago and at that time, there might not be so much development at Whitefield and so much requirement to cross the tracks so often by such a huge populace.
·        The role of Railways is only to the extent of providing an unhindered path for road vehicles in the interest of closing the level crossing.  Land at the level crossing belongs to railways. Providing a separate path for road vehicles is in fact the requirement of road users.
·        Railways, though not obliged, have agreed to execute the work as well as to share the cost of work with BBMP with the only interest of closing the level crossing to avoid the recurring expenditure of maintenance of level crossing once for all.
·        When there was public demand to construct foot over bridge, as Railways have already constructed road over bridge, it was expected that BBMP would come forward to fund the cost of the foot over bridge.
·        Finally, when BBMP has agreed for the same, Railways have invited tender for the same without any delay and opened the same on 27.12.2012, though the funds have not been deposited by BBMP.  Invitation of tender without availability of funds, which is normally not done, was done in the instant case only in the interest of expeditious completion of the work.
·        The tender, which would otherwise take 2-3 months for finalisation, has been finalised in a record time of 20 days.  This is a record of Indian Railways.
·        You will be happy to note that a joint inspection has been conducted by the undersigned on 17th Jan 2013 and the work of removal of obstructions has already been commenced.  This is also a record of Indian Railways where the work has been taken up on the very next day of award of the tender.
·        Two records have already been established as mentioned above and we look forward to establish a third record by completing the work in a record time.
·        It was reported by security authorities that either one or both of the deceased were talking over mobile phone during the time of the incident on 02nd Jan 2013.  Only God knows the truth.
·        I want you to understand that in the entire episode, there was no apathy, there were no petty egos and there was no inability to act on the part of Railways.  You are a better Judge to know where the delay took place. Please go into facts in detail before blaming any particular authority.
·        Railways have not received the funds for the above work from BBMP till date and we are  continuously chasing for the same.  At the same time, we are taking care to see that the agency does not stop the work, though it cannot get payment of a single rupee till the fund is deposited with Railways. 
·        As a concerned citizen, you may like to do something about this.

And we as citizen who are affected continue with our following plea to BBMP and Railway as below:

·        One helpful proactive action from Railways will be to move the parked goods wagons by 50 metres towards Chennai side of tracks by a suitable arrangement, thereby clearing the obstruction of path at the level crossing.  Wagons parked overnight/long hours hinders the crossing of tracks with view of both sides being blocked for pedestrians. Aged persons/children/women are often found to be crawling beneath the parked wagons to cross to the other sides and others climb over the wagons risking their lives. Also, the wagons parked beyond the crossing necessitates the people to walk on the tracks and there could be oversight/negligence when crossing resulting in loss of previous lives.
·        The two sides where one needs to cross are also not easy as there is hardly any space between the wagons and the bund, particularly for so many people who arrive by buses to move. Also there is gutter water/filth everywhere. There is no lighting too any where resulting in poor vision for any one. Considering the safety of women, which is attracting highest attention of Government, any proactive action to provide lights in the vicinity of crossing will be highly appreciated.
·        A concrete pathway which had existed earlier before the closure of the railway crossing enabled people to cross faster and also safely.
·     A concrete pathway which had existed earlier before the closure of the railway crossing enabled people to cross faster and also safely.

·        Please post security personal till the over-bridge is completed.
·        Lighting in that area.
·        Minor adjustments in parking of the long goods train so that people will get sufficient gap to cross.
·        We understand that many of the above things do not come under the responsibility of railways. However, the public who are forced to cross the tracks do not have any alternative. The narrow road over bridge is very scary especially for a women carrying small kids.
·        Could this be done by Railway authorities as an interim measure besides the above suggestion of moving the wagons a little beyond.

We are also surprised to know following things:

·        There are no specifications for the width of road over bridge.
·        There is no process for correction of old plan based on the present needs. The actual work of this over-bridge happened recently.
·        No pedestrian convenience required to be considered.
·        4. After the construction of this over bridge, seeing the practicality, railway engineers should have avoided digging the road between the tracks for pedestrians.
·        We all appreciate Railways good intention and any sort of help from Railways to minimise the problem, until BBMP acts in the matter.
·        At the same time, we urge BBMP to act without any delay in progressing the work before we hear of another tragedy.
 I also seek support of all resident associations, corporate organizations and their staff  and political parties, irrespective of any difference in ideologies to support in this cry for the need of a safe system to cross over.
Otherwise, for residents of Kadugodi, the way to bus stand is always going to be down and under.
Ramesh Menon
Kadugodi.
21 January 2013

This entry was posted in Community Service, HSE, Kadugodi Whitefield Pedestrian Overbridge, Photo Speaks.

Transluminescent signage and directions on Abu Dhabi roads

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It is foggy days once again in UAE. The photo above was taken at about 10:00 am two days ago. You can imagine, how foggy it would have been during the early morning hours. Crying road safety all these years, I have been writing and requesting repeatedly to initiate several road safety measures to safeguard all road users during such difficult driving conditions. One item in the list was to have road directions painted with translumniescent paint so that lights reflects on them and give correct guidance on driving direction to those who drive during such times.
I was happy this morning. It was too foggy and was happy to see Abu Dhabi Municipality contractors painting the roads with translumniescent paint. I wish them sincerely good luck in their effort to control accidents during foggy days due to rash driving added with poor visibility.
One more thing was emphasized to me and my community reporting instinct. However efforts or how much ever time it takes, persistence to communicate and convince on the merits of a good suggestion always see positive results.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
12.12.2012
To read my suggestion, please visit and read my post:
(Please read my report – Coping with fog – Gulf News dated 21.09.2010) . 
Thanks to all those who put their mind and soul to initiate this new safety aspect which will help motorists to find directions easily during extreme fog conditions on our road.

This entry was posted in Community Reports, Community Service, HSE.

Its time to slow down. KBG, Can you do it? Temple elephants are living beings – please be kind to them

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Its time to slow down. KBG, Can you do it? Temple elephants are living beings – please be kind to them

Once again, another temple festival season is due in Kerala. Especially, this is very prominent and predominant at central part of Kerala, specifically, in and around Trichur, Palghat and Ernakulam districts.


This is where we get to see, elephants being transported from one point to another to serve the requirement of temple festivities. This happens, more frequently and at fierce pace, during the March /April/May months, when temple festivals in and around Trichur Districts happens.

It is at this time, that elephants, are transported from far away places by agents to meet requirements of various temples.

Unfortunately, at times, these pachyderms have to silently suffer long journey by truck, who drive really fast to reach from one point to another and then get dressed up to be the focal point and then again move on to another destination.

I humbly request our government, necessary authorities to initiate the following rules:

  •          To make sure, the elephant is loaded to a truck in the best convenient and safest possible way.
  •            To make sure, the elephant is loaded to a truck in the best convenient and safest possible way.
  •          To make sure, the elephant is transported from one place to another in a safe speed, say less than 40 kms per hour.
  •     To make sure, the elephant gets sufficient time to relax before it is decorated and dressed for a long stay for a procession or festivity associated.
  •      To make sure, the elephant gets sufficient time to relax before it is loaded once again to its next destination. 
  •      To make sure, it gets sufficient time to walk and stretch its muscles and body, before it has to travel or stand silently for any festivity. 
  •      To make sure, it gets quality food and water at each of the above point.
  •      Absolutely, do not allow, Flash photography at close proximity where elephants are lined up for festivities. 
  •              Last and most important, to make sure, they get sufficient rest between one programme and the next.    
  •      These activities, should be strictly logged, monitored and controlled by respective Devaswom Officers, Forest and District Collector Level Officers to make sure, they are well taken care and protected.

For your information, am very well sure, the way they are transported from one point to another is the most cruel manner. The speed at which these trucks are driven to reach the next destination, I am sure, even some human being sitting at the carriage space, may not be able to withstand. To add more, if you want to watch and view by yourself, the way they are loaded to a truck, it is really pathetic. God save them and bless them to be silent as ever.


The scenes I witnessed during, just before the last Arattuppuzha pooram was horrendous.  I felt extremely bad for these silent beings and feel it should not be the case in this festive season.

I kindly request honorable Kerala Government and Ministers concerned, both Devaswom and Forest Minister, especially, Sri K B Ganesh Kumar to make a note and issue necessary guidelines to the use and exhibition of tamed / temple elephants in Kerala for festivities.



(photos by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi)

Watch this video, taken out from YouTube, thanks to Teetus P Samu (author of this video):



Imagine you are in its position to climb over to a cabin of an 8 ft heavy load truck!!

Nothing more to say, government and the ministry, and ministers have to act, well before this festival season, so that NO DEATH HAPPENS due to an elephant attack and NO TEMPLE ELEPHANT is treated or over worked during this season.

I sincerely hope all elephant lovers join me too in this campaign.

With due regards,
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

This entry was posted in Community Reports, Community Service, Stop Cruelty against Temple Elephants, TQM, TQM India.

For residents of Kadugodi – the way to bus stand is still down and under

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It is a very sad scene each time I pass by this major point of Whitefield. The railway crossing connecting Kadugodi population and the Bus stand is causing lot of difficulties for all. At any given time there will be a goods train waiting, with endless carriages, waiting for signal. It makes life difficult for all age a difficult process to cross over. It is extremely difficult in the morning as one rush to the bus stand to reach office or school. Children and aged have to squeeze down or walk all the way till the end and then cross over. At night time, there is absolutely no light making it all the more difficult.

Like the endless carriages parked, the story continues for Kadugodi residents…… 
Authorities have so far kept a golden silence on the issue of providing an easy passage for the users of the bus station or even the railway station. It is one of the major traffic point connecting residents from various point of Kadugodi and nearby villages and residential areas to the city. 
Who cares, if common man suffers? The city is one of the highest tax collecting and revenue generating in India. But, when it comes to necessary infrastructure, it is way behind…
Authorities, please consider the difficulties of Kadugodi residents…. At least, please show kindness to instruct the Railway authorities and the Engine drivers to park the trains before the railway gate, if the possibility of building a bridge is an impossible task by you.
Ramesh Menon
30 August 2012

This entry was posted in Bangalore Traffic Police, Community Reports, Community Service, Kadugodi Whitefield Pedestrian Overbridge, Photo Speaks, TQM India.

Plants need more care

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To read it in original, please visit 7daysinabudhabi

This entry was posted in 7daysinabduhabi, Community Reports, Community Service, Letters to the editor, Photo Speaks.