Letters to the editor

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.

IPL tickets issue disappointed fans – The National – 8th April 2014

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IPL tickets issue disappointed fans
Ticket sale for the Indian Premier League cricket matches did not start in a smooth manner (It’s just not cricket … yet: fans are frustrated by delay in ticket sales, April 7).
The website did not list some of the available ticket options for the general public. Fans in the UAE should get the privilege of purchasing tickets of all categories. Currently, tickets for select sections are not available, which was the case even during the opening hours of sale.
Such a denial has deeply disappointed cricket buffs in the UAE. International Cricket Council and other concerned authorities in the UAE, kindly take note.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi 
To read it in original, please visit The National online

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

Connection with a cause – Gulf Today – Short Take – 05th April 2014

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Connection with a cause

This is the age of networking using the electronic media. Many of us have been on different social platforms connecting and reconnecting with new and old friends. So much so that at times we realise even communication within the family members is happening through these platforms rather than straightforward face-to-face talk.

It is with this idea that a few friends among us decided to have a gathering of family and friends who meet and connect through social networking platforms. 

Rightly named Face2Face with Friends, we met. Each of the guests were introducing and it was the turn of one person sitting at one corner. He stood and went to the podium and started speaking about him and his activities. Sitting next to me was a common friend.

When he completed, I was surprised to realise that he was one who was in my friend list, and with whom I regularly interact and ‘like’ each other’s posts, and more over from the same town back home! 

True that we had not met each other and apart from the communication through social networks, we had never bothered or rather got time to call each other and enquire about our well-being!

During my turn and many others, it was one topic that we discovered and discussed.

Try to have a realistic approach and move a few steps ahead of these networking virtual platforms, and try and understand the real problems of those around. Identify those in need of help, whether it is health, financial or mental issues. Promote an awareness to bring out zero suicide situation among the residents. Create increased awareness towards road safety and bring out a sense of financial discipline by guiding people to live within their means, avoiding too many credit cards and loans.

Indeed, it was a day well spent with emphasis on sharing knowledge and having some fun added with tasty food. 

Hope we will be able to take the momentum and good thoughts to a larger audience in the days ahead, of course through social networking platforms!


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

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

Capital’s energy efforts laudable – The National Dt. 04th April 2014

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Capital’s energy efforts laudable
I appreciate Abu Dhabi Municipality’s efforts to reduce energy consumption (New lights at the end of Abu Dhabi tunnel, April 2).
However, one hopes that along with LED lights the authorities will also consider installing more surveillance cameras to monitor children, who often play dangerously in underpasses, as well as other suspicious activities.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online.

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, HSE, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, The National.

‘Beware when clicking your camera in UAE’ – Gulf News Dt. 03rd April 2014

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Abu Dhabi: Residents across the UAE are finding themselves on the wrong side of the law because they do not realise that they’ve unwittingly committed a cybercrime, leading judicial experts said in the capital on Wednesday.
A simple act such as taking a picture of a bystander or a friend without their permission and sharing it through social media could be construed as a crime in a court of law, Dr Omar Al Ghoul, a judge at the UAE Federal Courts, told Gulf News.
“These sorts of seemingly simple crimes are a result of the increasing proliferation of smartphone use, and the public’s general lack of awareness on the UAE’s stance on internet use,” he said.
“The use of the internet has grown in the UAE to such an extent that, in some legal cases, it is being treated as an addiction, and ‘patients’ are referred to rehabilitation facilities,” Dr Al Ghoul added.

Continue to read at GULF NEWS online.


Very important information for all those who love to click at random. The rules are not clear so that one is always in two minds whether or where to click. It is always good to take permission in advance before clicking pictures of strangers, especially women and children. A good reminder to all.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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

On : No attention has been paid to it,’ say Abu Dhabi residents of underground bins – The National Dt. 31 March 2014

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It is indeed sad to note many high profile innovative initiatives instituted within the city die its own natural death within a very short time. These bins, the toilet system etc are straight forward examples. This has to be studied by the authorities and reason to be found out, whether they are not accepted by public or whether technical defaults are the causes for failure.
As regards to waste bins, it is a hygiene concern as many maintenance staff bring down the waste and then spread them down in front of the dust bins before they deposit it into the tall waste bins. They do it, either to segregate the metallic or saleable items from the waste or for several other reasons. Whatever it is, the action results in spreading the area with waste sediments which remain there till a cleaning unit comes and washes away.

A closer look at this issue has to be done by the authorities to keep the city neat and clean.
To read the original article and the letter on it, please visit The National online.

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

Picture of rain explained dangers – The National Dt. 30 March 2014

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Picture of rain explained dangers

The front-page photograph by Silvia Razgova in the March 27 issue of The National conveyed several messages.
First of all, the rain was unexpected at this time of the year. Secondly, it was perhaps a record day for the UAE police and emergency teams with hundreds of accidents recorded on Wednesday. No wonder so many taxi drivers decided to pull over rather than risk their lives on the road, as the picture showed.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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

Grating at Jebel Hafeet needs repairs – Gulf News Dt. 30 March 2014

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Grating at Jebel Hafeet needs repairs
Reader is concerned about the safety of people visiting and littering at the same time
Ramesh Menon  Gulf News reader Published: 17:30 March 29, 2014

•             Image Credit: Ramesh Menon
•             A grill has fallen down at Jebel Hafeet and is a hazard.
On my visit to Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain a few days ago, I found a series of safety and environmental hazards.
One section of the grill near the restaurant is broken and taken down by some people. This gives a dangerous opportunity to those people who are passionate about taking group photographs and venture to the edge.
While I was there, I saw a group of people taking seriously dangerous steps and clicking photographs without thinking of the danger ahead of them, if they slip.
I also found many venturing to the steep mountain ahead and trekking. With rain and strong winds, these pathways are dangerous and accidents can happen any time. There are also possibilities for other hidden dangers of the unknown kind. And it does not end there. Those who venture out throw plastic cans and bottles.
I humbly request the authorities to take urgent measures to close the grills and install necessary signboards to keep the area clean at all times.
The reader is 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 Gulf News, HSE, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Safety First.