Gulf Today
For greater good – Short Take – Gulf Today, Dt. 05 July 2014
For greater good
It has been a routine for me since some years to meticulously photograph places that I visit and activities I participate in, and to then post them on my Facebook group or share it with friends or followers on various social networks.
I do it for various reasons. First, is to improve my photography skills. The second is to promote the artist or the activity I attend and give a kind of selfless contribution to encourage them.
However, the most important reason is to share with my parents and immediate family, who live far away, these precious moments so that they may enjoy them as well.
In order to meet professional and personal commitments, I tend to face a tight schedule, and this method has helped me avoid a detailed explanation of how my day evolved.
An interesting fact that came to my notice was the different reactions of those who chose to be in my friends or followers list. Some of them consistently encourage me. Some remain completely silent, although they keenly observe every post of mine. And some others come up with constructive criticism, which I always take note of in a positive way and act according to merit.
Many a time this has resulted in a positive contribution to the society, whether it is here in the UAE or in India.
Some actions were dangerous, since I would report abnormal practices or dangerous situations. Before submitting these to relevant authorities or the media I have asked myself a hundred times whether or not I should submit them as community reports of significance. The option chosen does prove to be right as they resulted in intended positive outcome.
At times, there were detrimental remarks that held my thoughts and deeds from moving ahead. Working on them again and again, weighing them in a balance, I chose the positives rather than the negatives and carried on.
Why should I let my feelings known to others? Why should I not?
A difficult choice, this is always on my mind, each time I come out with something new.
I strive my best to keep my mind and thoughts to contribute to the betterment of those with me and around me in my community. The choice is therefore theirs, to be with me or not.
Be supportive and an occasional like, a supporting comment, or a share of my post among your friends or family will not do any harm. It’s an assurance you can trust on.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today, online
Safe driving – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 28 June 2014
Safe driving
It is the Holy Month of Ramadan and a blessed season when people tend to be more religious and show kindness to the poor and needy. This year, due to the long duration of daytime, the fasting hours will be more.
Summer is at its peak making life outside during noon hours difficult. Luckily, the school holidays have started. The roads may be less crowded as many people will be on vacation.
However, one factor that is a cause of worry is the driving habit of some people before Iftar timing. Whatever the reasons, the tendency to drive fast and furious is extremely dangerous.
The energy and alertness level during this time will be less for many due to fasting. It is extremely important to drive cautiously and carefully during this particular period.
Safety at all times should be kept in mind and practised as one of the core values in our lives.
Ramesh Menon
Gulf Today, Short Take Dt. 28 June 2014
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online.
Silent reply – Gulf Today – Short Take – Dt. 21 June 2014
Silent reply
It was a quiet time at the supermarket and I was waiting at the weighing counter in the vegetable section.
A worker arrived and placed some boxes of vegetables that were to be displayed at one of the sections. At that time, another customer appeared and positioned himself between the boxes and me.
The person at the weighing counter had seen me standing earlier and hence collected my items and started weighing them.
Suddenly, the other customer who created a new queue started insulting the counter staff and me.
He went to such an extent that he started talking about my country and my roots.
I was in no mood to respond and chose to ignore him. Seeing me not reacting, he stopped blabbering.
His provocation could have created an ugly scene, but I am happy that I chose to be silent and it did make a difference.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Gulf Today, Short Take Dt 21 June 2014
From UAE to Venice – Gulf Today – Short Take – 14 June 2014
From UAE to Venice
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Architectural Biennale 2014 in Venice. Opting to travel from Abu Dhabi, I realised it was a multiple transportation option.
After the long flight to Malpensa Airport in Italy, I had to catch a train to Milan Central. Changing the platforms and hopping on to a fast train to Venice, I could relish the scenic beauty of the Italian countryside.
The place I wanted to visit was accessible only by water taxis. Stopping in between various boat stations, it was exciting to see people getting in and out at each places.
Once at my hotel, it was a different feeling. The scenic view from the window overlooking the canals and watching the gondolas take tourists through narrow water lanes were a treat to watch.
As days passed by, I started missing some things. The routine had changed and my desire to get some Indian food, the small items we get from our super and mega marts, started growing.
I was not successful due to time constraints and non-availability of the restaurants and shops that served them.
I remembered the UAE and felt that expatriates in the country are blessed as there are easy options available to make everyone feel at home, whether it is food, dress or any other.
My thoughts were concurred by an Indian couple from Belgium visiting Venice with their little boy, who was keen to have rice, idly and sambar every day.
Ramesh Menon
Gulf Today – Short Take – 15 June 2014
UAE pavilion – Gulf Today – Short Take – 7 June 2014
UAE pavilion
It was the partial realisation of a big dream. As the saying goes, if you dream, dream big, I was silently and consistently putting my efforts to rekindle the memories of the volcano fountain in Abu Dhabi.
The Architecture Biennale 2014 was officially opened on June 5 and the UAE pavilion stood out by displaying the right blend of modern and ancient architectural history of the UAE.
The curatorial team with the blessings of Sheikha Salama Foundation has done a great job.
Accepting and attending the opening ceremony also was an opportunity to meet several contributors who worked to make the UAE pavilion worth the visit for those interested in architecture and history.
The Venice biennale will run till Nov.23. Why not plan Venice as your holiday destination this year?
Train, boats, lovely canals and countryside and now the UAE pavilion in biennale.
Ramesh Menon, Venice
Gulf Today – Short Take, 7 June 2014
Perfect destination – Gulf Today – Short Take – 31 May 2014
Perfect destination
It was indeed a memorable four weeks that passed in a flash. Although the temperature shot up during these days, it never dampened the spirit of a set of tourists who were visiting the UAE for the first time in their life.
Within the short time available, it was my turn to take them around the 7 emirates of the UAE and show them the growth the country achieved within a quarter of a century.
It was interesting for me to take them around and explain to them the transformation of small shops to bigger malls over a period of time.
Impressed and interested, they were eager to start their journey each day with enthusiasm, forgetting most of the time their age and health conditions.
All these years, they were unable to visit the UAE as they had elders to look after. Now, they are leading a relaxed life and it was their turn to visit and experience this nostalgic tourism and work destination, which they had seen only in photos and on television.
I am talking about none other than my elderly parents.
Many a time before, even if they had the opportunity to visit, they had resisted. But after this visit and tour of the United Arab Emirates and witnessing its progress, they turned nostalgic. After dinner at a south Indian restaurant in Deira, my father was telling the restaurant manager that he would return soon.
It was emotional for me to take them there, as it was the same restaurant where I used to have my daily meals during the initial years of my career in the UAE.
I am convinced this is a blessed nation with magical hospitality and feelings for the tourists.
Ramesh Menon
Short Take, Gulf Today, 31 May 2014
Crossing the line – Short Take – Gulf Today – 24 May 2014
Crossing the line
In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I have seen pedestrians display scant respect for rules while crossing the roads in a hurry. At times, it is so scary making me wonder whether they really care for their self and family when they cross at undesignated sections of the road, even while talking on the phone.
Here is an incident I can quote, which is as recent as two days. I was driving on a two- way inside road behind Hamdan streeet of Abu Dhabi. A well-dressed man was crossing the road at his own pace talking on the phone, not at all bothered about vehicles coming from both directions.
I stopped and also saw another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Luckily, although the driver was also on the phone, he saw the pedestrian and he too stopped and the person crossed, without any care or consideration for both of us.
Witnessing his careless attitude, I tried to talk to him and he started arguing that it was his right to cross wherever he wanted and whatever he does was his own problem. I wished him good luck and continued.
Always drive carefully. Pedestrians in the UAE are still uneducated as far as their own safety and the drivers risk getting involved in an accident due to careless crossing.
So, be safe rather than regret later, even if the mistake is not yours. Never use a mobile while driving.
Ramesh Menon
Short Take – Gulf Today – 24 May 2014
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online
Lest we forget – Short Take – Gulf Today, 17th May 2014
Lest we forget
It was a small gathering of people who came with passion and emotion for the nation. The Talk Show, “Lest We Forget – Structures of Memory in the UAE” was organised by the curator and research team of The National Pavilion of the UAE for the 14th International Architecture Exhibition at the 2014 Venice Biennale, discussing the upcoming exhibition that presents a retrospective of the architectural history of the UAE from 1914-2014, with an emphasis on modern heritage buildings.
Those who attended were of different age groups. Some as young as in the 20s and some others in their late 60s. The age difference made no difference to their emotional feelings towards the country they lived in.
The UAE grew steadily and strongly during these 100 years. During the process, all missed the transformation from the olden to modern times during which several changes were made within and outside cities and villages.
The once famous Toyota Crowns, Carinas and Cressidas gave way to new models. The fixed rate taxis gave way to metered taxis. Many traditional souqs gave way to modern markets.
The conventional camel race within the boundaries of once harmoniously spent joint family home and time was there to cherish. Some recollected with emotion how they, as little children, assisted then in the surveys that formed the basis of the modern developments.
All the prominent architectural structures of the emirates were remembered. The changes, however, were felt more deeply and emotionally on a major architectural structure of the country, that was once rated among the top ten fountains that existed in the world.
Volcano Fountain — all those who remembered it, said with one word, we would love to see it back. Little girls, who once played around it, shared fond memories of their childhood. Their thoughts and voice were unique in their wish to see it back in Abu Dhabi.
I am confident the hard work by the curatorial team of the UAE National Pavilion in Venice Biennale, that will open on June 5, will not fail in bringing the fond memories alive. It will be a great moment for the visionary leaders of the UAE.
Ramesh Menon
Short Take – Gulf Today, 17th May 2014
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online
Volcano fountain – Short Take – Gulf Today – 10th May 2014
Volcano fountain
I love the UAE and always think of ways to contribute to the society.
Of late, I have been wondering if there is any possibility for the restoration of the historic Volcano fountain, that was there in Abu Dhabi, from the period 1984 – 2004. It was demolished and gave way to the modernisation of Abu Dhabi Corniche.
As we say, when something is there, we do not find its value, and when it is gone, we miss it very much.
Volcano Fountain, rated as one of the top 10 fountains in the world, was one such fascinating attraction.
Since 2005, I am making humble efforts to attract the attention of the authorities about its prestigious value in the architectural history of Abu Dhabi. The campaign is gaining momentum slowly and steadily.
Whoever were here during the period, and whoever were not here and watched the videos of it, say that it is one attraction that should be recreated in modern Abu Dhabi. It was a place where all nationalities once turned up to exchange pleasantries, met family and friends during weekends.
I continue to dream too, placing the Volcano Fountain among various probable scenic spots being developed within the city.
As they say, if you dream, Dream Big, and one day I wish and hope that my hope of recreating a new Volcano Fountain will come true too.
Ramesh Menon
Short Take – Gulf Today – 10th May 2014
Precious moment – Gulf Today – Short Take – Dt. 26 April 2014
Precious moment
It was a very short notice call on Tuesday late afternoon from a friend inviting me to attend a function in Dubai. Normally, I do not rush up on things or commit myself to anything not in my schedule. Especially, if it is out of Abu Dhabi. But, when he explained to me the importance of it, I couldn’t resist myself and say no to him.
His son, Rohin Bajaj, along with two other girl students, Anagha Subash and Devayani Sainath, all from Abu Dhabi Indian School, were receiving the prestigious Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance. He wanted me to be there with him and the other proud parents to witness and capture the precious moment on my camera.
Children are always precious for me and I took off to Dubai, keeping my conscious approach and Safety First campaign always in my mind, Start Early, Drive Carefully, Reach Safely.
I paced myself in such a way that I was there in the auditorium well ahead of the scheduled start and witness the historic moment in the life of those three wonder kids and many other children and academicians who bagged this prestigious award.
In another interesting last-minute call on Thursday, I attended a family union of students from the college I graduated. It was after a long time that I was meeting some of my college mates and brought out memories of our good old days.
When asked to do a short presentation, I asked the audience, especially children, whether I should do so in English or in our native language, Malayalam. Many of the children asked me to address in Malayalam. I was impressed as some parents still inculcate in the minds of their children the need to connect with the mother language.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit, Gulf Today online.
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