Gulf Today

Wired thoughts – Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 28.05.2011

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Wired thoughts – Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 28.05.2011

I use Face Book for communicating with my friends and also to share photographs and articles. This online facility has given me many friends, some of whom have become very close.

However, at times I get scared by the pace at which these things grow in the modern world and man become e-slaves of them. Interesting is it to see updates now and then from friends with the comment, updated from my Iphone, from my BlackBerry, IPad etc. I smile seeing them, here goes one more wicket down to the magic of e-life. I also smile when I see people suggesting to create a FB account for their pets.

We are indeed in a fast paced world. This was proved in a different way the other day.

One of my colleagues had a baby boy. He and his wife are employed and within a week’s time of delivery, his wife had to go for an important project meeting abroad.

With no other alternative, he had to feed the baby using bottles.

My friend tells me now that his wife is back from work, but his baby refuses to be breast-fed.

I am closely following this child now and curious to know when he gets his hands on to the electronic world.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.

Tall and short – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 14.05.2011

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Short Take – Tall and short – Gulf Today Dt. 14.05.2011

We come across several people on the road and business and pass through several interactions. Many of them pass away from our mind quickly. But, a few of them remain within us. It is one such chance listening to an interesting conversation that lead to the creation of this news item.

It was Ramadan time with short working hours and as usual all the bank counters were busy with customers.

I was standing in the line at one such counter and in front of me was a tall person. He was about 6ft 4” or more. And at the other side of the counter was a Philippino Teller, comparatively short with a height of approximately 5 ft.

Due to some reason, he was slow and added to it the computer system was responding slow too. May be, in order to ease the restlessness of the customer in front due to all the delay, the Teller opened up a casual conversation with the tall customer telling him that he envied his height and always wanted to be a tall person.

Answering him with a smile, the tall man replied: “It is the other way for me. I wanted to be shorter than what I am and really helpless about it each time.”

His answer once again created a spark of thoughts for me to work on a new subject. Walking tall and short in life!

What do we really assume by saying a person is tall or short? How many times we stand tall and short in our life?

Ramesh Menon

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.

Moments of life – Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 07.05.2011

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Moments of life – Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 07.05.2011

It is very interesting to interact with different people as we get to observe and learn many new things from them.

The journey towards my office consists of a long time in a lift and it is a good opportunity to say “hello” and exchange short words between regular faces from different floors.

The other day, I was in a lift with a colleague of mine, who had returned from  holiday.

A good athlete, he took a short course in Para Jumping. The coaching and trial went well and the day came for real time performance to jump from an aircraft towards a picturesque valley.

The instructor explained to him all the basics to be followed and also rechecked the equipment and he was signaled to jump. He was telling me the moment after was one of the most memorable ones ever in his life so far.

The beauty of the valley was unimaginable as he looked and enjoyed while he lowered. However, suddenly he realised, his equipment was not opening up and then the joy turned out to be a panic situation. For moments, he said, he recapped his whole life, all the while trying to correct the equipment, and felt absolute helplessness towards the wind, the nature and the situation he was in. He thought, it was going to be the end.

Somehow, at the right time, before any danger could happen, the equipment opened and he managed to do a heavy landing, with minor bruises.

All the while he was narrating this, there was another passenger in the lift, who was blaring a music through his ipod and completely out of this world. People around were looking at him as the noise level was unbearable in that small and packed area. All kept quiet and left him on his own as he destroyed his own ear drum with that blistering volume.

Yes, life is full of controllable and uncontrollable situations and it is all how we act and react to it.

Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.

Personal Touch – Short Take – GULF TODAY Dt. 30.04.2011

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Personal Touch – Short Take – GULF TODAY Dt. 30.04.2011

Personal touch

I have a Parrot named Mittu, which whistles back whatever we prompt. I also have a good collection of plants in my balcony. These two have become an integral part in my life since some time. It all started as an attempt by us to return home every night whenever we venture outside. Having the thought of these members who cannot speak remaining un-attended have definitely worked in favour and achieved our goal towards it.

There are times when we cannot remain pledged to this commitment and recently it happened that we all had to go on emergency for an unplanned period.

As usual, I had to rely on my caretaker, who came diligently and fed the bird and watered my plant every day.

On my return, I found that our pet was looking thin with most of its feathers gone and the plants also looking lifeless. I knew immediately what the reason was. Within two or three days, they were both looking fine and healthy as before.

The secret was the personal attention, care and a few minutes of special time spent for each one of them. With the parrot, in addition to his regular food of sun flower seed, we used to give it bits and pieces of whatever vegetarian food, biscuits, bread etc we were having.

Constantly, we were keeping it active by talking or rather whistling to it and it was this personal touch that was missing for it. For the plants, each time when I watered, I made sure, if ever there is any weed or dried leaf on them and made it look neat and clean. This personal touch was missing for both of them.

No wonder the old saying in our epics “a personal touch in our deeds is the best rejuvenating medicine for all living beings” remains true forever.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.

Caring hearts – Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 23.04.2011

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Caring hearts – Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 23.04.2011

I was walking back along the long corridor when I heard a loud prompt from my back. “We know that you write regularly. Please write about our department.”

I turned and with a smile told the chief nurse on duty, “Sister, I had already put it as a topic on my writing list.”

Yes, for the last four years, the long drive to Mafraq hospital in Abu Dhabi and its long corridors leading towards the Oncology department have been a routine.

The doctors, the nurses, administration, support staff and the restaurant employees — They were all caring and were always willing to assist whenever we needed any emergency assistance.

As I collected the discharge report and medical history of my mother from the head nurse, we couldn’t speak to each other.

A wry smile eclipsed on our face. She knew very well that I will not be returning there for my mother’s purpose again.

While passing by the waiting area, I met a familiar patient, who has become a family friend by now. She was anxious to know why I had come alone. I did not tell her anything, as I said, I just came to collect some report.

But, she was smelling something, as we all knew each others’ treatment cycle and stage. Her eyes were speaking of anxiety as she turned her face not to speak further.

Yes, for the past few years, that long drive to Mafraq hospital from Abu Dhabi and the long walk through the scenic areas surrounding it were “our only picnic,” as it was told to me by mother during one of her trips.

It was a place bound to generate compassion but well maintained to conceal each individual’s privacy.

So, each of those patients returned from its exit gate, more revitalised and reassured with a prolonged stay in this world.

Thank you doctors and staff and let God give you more strength to serve patients suffering from the “Emperor of all maladies.”

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Short Take.

Unpredictable life – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 16.04.2011

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Unpredictable life – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 16.04.2011

At the beginning of each week, I set aside a point to express through Short Take and accordingly I had completed a write-up by this morning.

Reaching office, I came to know of the unfortunate demise of a little girl, Nandana, the only daughter of the famous Indian singer, KS Chitra. As a music lover, I like her songs since the time she started singing in movies and have a good collection of them. As a keen observer of things, I have been watching her closely too.

They say when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Chitra with her music was a true example of this. After a wait of 15 years in her marriage, she was given this blessed child, who happened to be with special needs. She had no regrets and during a transit through Dubai airport and speaking to a friend of mine on duty at the transit desk of Emirates, she clearly mentioned about it.

During an early morning with a long queue of transit passengers, my friend noticed a vibrant little girl wearing a green frock playing around with her mother.

Having a closer look at the person, she understood who it was and looking at the girl, my friend thought she would go and help her to reach the front of the queue. They were on their way to South Africa via Dubai.

Denying the help offer, Chitra told my friend, “I do not have any problem waiting or please do not think that my child is giving trouble to me. I was praying all these years for a child, irrespective of a boy or girl and I couldn’t believe even now that God has given me such a loving child.” Indeed, Nandana was an affectionate child as my friend narrated many things about Chitra and her daughter, in disbelief, after hearing the sad news. It is a shock to all of us.

As a person who interacts with schools and organisations like Manzil and the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services taking care of children with special needs, I know how important and affectionate they are. Let me join millions of Chitra fans in offering prayers as no words can fill the vacuum in her life.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.

Cool Factor – Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 26.03.2011

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Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 26.03.2011 – Cool Factor

Cool factor

What at an exciting game of knock-out matches happening at WC 2011. Australian team were really floored by both Pakistan and India in consecutive matches. Keeping the nerves and keeping cool is an important element, required all the time in life to achieve success and victory.
Not many people practise this art or at least even attempt to learn it. Till some time ago, I myself was one who never achieved this target. Or even now, I can openly admit. It is easy to get intimidated or distracted and lose the focus of our objectives.
In life, everyone has to have a smaller objective and Bigger Objective. While working short term for the smaller objectives, our prime focus should be on the Bigger version of it.
The pace and methodology with which we should go about should be strategically developed for the execution of such a strategy. But many times, we tend to focus on the smaller objectives which will totally take us out and away from our Bigger objectives. We can illustrate this situation many times by small events happening in our life.
One such incident happened to me recently. I was driving down the highway early morning towards Dubai from Abu Dhabi. With not much traffic and with music on, my concentration was to watch out for a diversion to particular place I had to go. I was almost sure that I was nearer to that diversion and at this time, I happened to watch closely in the side mirror a beautiful car approaching mine. With a passion for automobiles, I was unable to take my eyes of her, slowed down the speed and watched the beautiful Blue Rolls Royce Phantom passing me like a race horse. I took a closer look at it, the number, the model and even the driver. All this happened within a matter of 1 or 2 minutes at the speed of 120 km approved speed limit on the highway.
In the same instance I realised I missed my important turning, crossing it, making me drive for a retour and valuable time of almost 45 minutes.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.

Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 19.03.2011 – Nature’s wrath

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Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 19.03.2011 – Nature’s wrath

Life on a Friday usually is quiet and relaxed at home, helping with family and greeting and treating occasional friends. But, Friday March 11 turned out to be a different one. Switching on the TV casually around 11 am, I was alerted about the evolving news of the tragedy happening in Japan at that moment.
Japan experienced the worst ever earthquake disaster in its modern history followed by a deadly tsunami leading to massive destruction in the northern part of the country. All happiness suddenly vanished as we watched with awe the reality happening in front of us through available TV channels transmitting the tragedy — our helplessness in front of Mother Nature on fully fury.
Boats, ships and cars were floating like they were made of paper. There was absolutely no question of human power against that rage. Every witness remained silent without knowing what to do next. All available modern technology were used to forewarn the danger to its next destination and although it saved many life from other parts, what happened in those few hours in Japan will remain forever in our mind.
Several times we, mankind boast of our knowledge and technology power. This tragedy happened like a warning to us that Mother Nature is beyond our control. Our silent prayers, sympathy and condolences are with the entire nation. Japan will recover and come back from this tragedy very fast. They have the will power and mental strength to regroup from tragedies. They have proved it before and we pray silently for all those affected to rebuild themselves and their dreams once again.
Ramesh Menon
19.03.2011

To read it in original, please GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.

Value of money – Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 12.03.2011

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Value of money – Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 12.03.2011

Whenever opportunity and time permits, I love to do voluntary work, supporting various social causes. Recently on travel, I had the opportunity to attend and serve in one such union of equal minds. It was a huge event happening inside a university compound and there were many volunteers from various parts of the world. Students from the university were also actively participating in it.
Food for all was supplied at a canteen installed for the purpose and had very delicious array of vegetarian food items with various fruit drinks and milk products.
During breakfast time, I was waiting in line for my turn, when I noticed a group of four boys, whom I had noted before for their enthusiasm, rushing in. They were in an adjacent queue and I observed one of them ordering four milkshakes for them. The cashier at the counter told the boy that it would cost him Rs. 60/ for four glasses. Suddenly, the face of the boy turned pale as he searched his pocket and then looked around at his friends, and then answered quickly. Sir, I will order only one, as we love to share our drink and it will taste better. It was obvious from his answer that they had only fifteen rupees within them as luxury to buy anything extra.
Watching this, tears rolled down from my eyes instantaneously, and I tried to intervene with the cashier and the boys asking them permission to buy them three more drinks so that each one can have one glass full. They were so persistent that they refused politely my offer and went on collecting the one single glass of milkshake sipping one after another its content.
It brought back memories to my college days where I had very limited pocket money and survived on whatever little available all throughout. It also brought memories to my own little son and his innocent demand of a vegetable burger long ago when I had not even Dhs5 in my pocket.
Value of money is one thing children have to be taught whenever an opportunity arises.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.

Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 05.03.2011 – ‘Air’-ing it out

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Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 05.03.2011 – ‘Air’-ing it out

While travelling on a plane, we get to meet different people with different attitudes and approaches. Some get along very friendly and some act serious and remain like that throughout. On a flight recently, I was sandwiched between two gentlemen, who had all booked in advance and one even arranged his preferred meal choice.

As the plane took off and I made myself comfortable, I found my fellow passengers engrossed in a world of their own. There was an element of heaviness from both sides, which was not my kind of thing while travelling.

The stewardess came to serve us drinks and food. I found my co-passenger on the left asking for a Gujarati meal, which he had specially requested. The stewardess went in and brought him his special. It was the turn of the other passenger next and although not previously requested, he demanded for a Jain meal in an ‘I-must-get-it-or-else’ kind of tone. Although not available, the hostess said, she would try to get him one from the crew’s stock.

Watching all this, with a mischievous smile, I asked her, do you have a Menon meal. I will be happy to have one, as I feel very hungry and as you say, we serve homely food, so I can opt for it with all rights.

She knew, what I was up to, as did my co-passengers. Saying cheers to me, both started conversing with me, as the stewardess brought me a normal vegetarian meal available in her stock. The whole atmosphere lightened and we had a good flight and by the time we got off, we became good friends.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take.