Letters to the editor
Garnering support – Letters to the Editor – Gulf News 27 June 2014
Garnering support
It is impressive and highly promising to note the increased production forecast for UAE farm produce in the coming season (‘10,000 tonnes more vegetables grown at Abu Dhabi farms,’ Gulf News, June 23). The effort and amount of technology expertise added with financial support is huge and each of the participating farmers should be highly praised to keep the interest in the field of agriculture ongoing.
With the weather conditions not in favour, it is of great importance to encourage more people to come forward and actively participate in agriculture that suits the nation. With regards to garnering additional support, the produce should be allocated to special areas at all the leading supermarkets and be given prominence in terms of pricing and marketing.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit, GULF NEWS online.
No tolerance for drunks on planes – Letters to the editor – The National – 26 June 2014
No tolerance for drunks on planes
A friend of mine recently flew in to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai on a non-UAE airline.
On-board the plane were many workers who had been drinking before the flight took off.
Despite seeing them in that condition, the airline staff served alcohol to them during the flight. This resulted in them becoming totally intoxicated, spilling their food and causing inconvenience to other passengers.
I was very sad to hear of this scenario. Airlines flying to the UAE should have guidelines that ensure that people who have consumed a high level of alcohol before a flight are not allowed to board.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online.
Letters: on – 10,000 tonnes more vegetables grown at Abu Dhabi farms
10,000 tonnes more vegetables grown at Abu Dhabi farms
It is impressive and highly promising to note the increased production forecast for UAE farm produce in the coming season. The effort and amount of technology expertise added with financial support is huge and each of the participating farmers should be highly praised to keep the interest in the field of agriculture ongoing with sustained interest. With the weather conditions not in favor and with all the global warming issues kept in mind, it is of great importance to encourage more locals to come forward and actively participate in agriculture that suits the nation. In order to garner additional support, the produce should be allocated a special corners at all the leading supermarkets and be given prominence in terms of pricing and marketing. Wherever there is lack of water supply identified, it should be complemented with alternate source of water supply to keep the interest sustained.
To read it in original, please visit Gulf News 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
Sell UAE through merchandise – The National – Letters to the editor – 27 May 2014
Sell UAE through merchandise
While visiting some of the UAE’s major destinations and malls with a group of tourists recently, I realised that in those places you can’t get small merchandise promoting the spirit of the UAE, which a visitor might want to buy.
The malls and tourist outlets are filled with items such as T-shirts and caps displaying images and flags of other countries. The only time I see the UAE-specific items on display is during National Day. I think they should be available everywhere, all round the year.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online
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
UAE culture must be respected – Letters to the editor – The National
UAE culture must be respected
Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque the other day, I witnessed something embarrassing. It is good that the authorities show leniency towards visitors, so as to make their stay as comfortable as possible. That includes relaxation of the dress code.
However, such gestures should never be taken for granted, especially while visiting a religious place.
Unfortunately, that’s what happened when a bus full of scantily dressed tourists arrived at the mosque. Of course, they had to cover once they were in the queue to get in. But they definitely raised a few eyebrows.
I believe it’s the duty of everyone to show respect towards the culture of this country. How to convey this message to tourists is a matter of discussion. Should it start from the point of immigration, or is it the responsibility of the host, such as hotels where they stay, and tour operators?
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online.
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