Letters to the editor
An inspiring story – Gulf News Dt. 28-03-2014
An inspiring story.
I consider myself lucky to have visited the final day of the Abilities ME Exhibition and Conference, the first of its kind that offers support for the provision of education and awareness to people with special needs and disabilities. There were many interesting presentations and stalls. However, one young and vibrant person offering visitors an explanation about her stall caught my attention. She was Nilofar Saleem. A few years ago, I had met her when she was a student at Manzil, a centre for special needs in Sharjah. Then I met her at the same centre, when she became a staff member. Now, four years later, I was meeting her at this exhibition. I noticed several changes in her attitude. She was more confident and put on her trademark smile when I approached her. She is a person with global development delay (a person diagnosed with having a lower intellectual functioning than what is perceived as normal). Once she recognised me, she told me all about her new job and life. She now works with one of the leading banks in the UAE that has supported her to develop into a self sufficient young individual. It is an inspiring example of how an institution can groom an individual to become a breadwinner for a family and look ahead in life. How many organisations would be willing to support individuals like Saleem to find a firm footing in life?
From Mr Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi
Need to help out – Gulf Today – Short Take – 29 March 2014
Drivers must obey rules in wet weather – The National Dt. 27-03-2014
in print 27/03/2014
A bench with no place to sit – Khaleej Times – Dt. 24 March 2014
Dangerous driving – Gulf Today, Dt. 22 March 2014
I was crossing the Shahama area of the E11 Dubai – Abu Dhabi road. Roadwork was going on in that area. It is my routine to drive within the speed limit on the 2nd last lane and always watch out for dangerous movements happening behind through all the three mirrors.
Suddenly, I noticed a car coming in extremely fast, flashing the light several times, half through the ambulance and half through the fast lane.
He came and passed in a flash, so much so that I was unable to even identify the type of car or its number.
His driving created a dangerous feeling in my mind. I was aware of the roadwork a kilometre away and the road narrowing ahead.
My mind prompted me to call 999 without any hesitation. Promptly, the central unit of the UAE Police picked up the call. I explained to the officer that I was witnessing a dangerous driving situation on the road.
Upon identifying the route, the officer transferred the call to probably the unit in charge of the particular section. All this time, I was on hands-free and talking to them as I drove ahead. By the time he was able to zero in on the location, I reached ahead to the location where the roadwork was happening.
I noticed several metal particles on the road and then saw at least five cars damaged badly. One of them was on fire. I realised that I had just escaped! If I were one minute ahead, I would have been in that crash!
The officer was still on the phone and I told him, “Sir, no point now. The accident I was trying to avert has already happened. It looks like a major one. Please send the rescue team.”
I am sure he was speeding all along the way. If there was one other person who noticed this dangerous driving and was there to call and alert the UAE Police on 999, a few kilometres before me, it could have been a different story.
Until and unless we are able to change the attitude of these one-off dangerously crazy driving minds on our roads, it will never be safe.
Ramesh Menon
Watch them flower – Reader Picture of the day – Gulf News Dt. 17 March 2014
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Time management – Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 15 March 2014
Time management
The saying “Change is an Opportunity” is always a management principle to be tested and tried.
Indeed, it is being done by a group of newly-elected executive members of India Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi.
A mix of young and old, experienced and novice, are trying their best to bring in a change to instill added interest and participation among its members.
To try it right from the first step is always a good move.
It was the first event on this Thursday. Bringing in a big change and may be for the first time in the history of the centre, they kept a strict agenda on the timing of the event. The door opening time and programme schedule were announced repeatedly and they made sure it was followed. Not a bad turn around too from the members who were keenly following this move. Instead of a long wait to see the curtain rise, we watched the show open as announced at 8:30 pm.
Time management is very important and this move is refreshing.
Now, what?
A sustained and dedicated effort throughout their term maintaining this vigour is the next big challenge.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.
Motorists endanger lives of others – Gulf News Community Report – Dt. 10 March 2014
My comments : Decreasing overall speed should be goal of radar The National Dt. 09 March 2014
A driver can also be pulled over and issued a fine by a traffic policeman, who use both marked and unmarked patrol cars.
“I’ve seen a heightened police presence on Saadiyat highway and the road towards Mussaffah when you drive through Salam Street last year,” said Ramesh Menon, an Abu Dhabi resident for 25 years.
“But these days many have resorted to speeding, tailgating and reckless driving since no one’s there to stop and fine them.”
To read this in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.
ClicksandWrites 
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