Letters to the editor
My Letters – GULF NEWS – Dt. 21.12.2010 – Community Service
My Letters – GULF NEWS – Dt. 21.12.2010 – Community Service
Community service
It is extremely encouraging to see women walking away with most of the prizes in the community report competition (“Making a difference in people’s lives”, Gulf News, December 15). I am sure the interest generated by this special page in Gulf News will make sure that this trend continues with more efficiency. It should be part of our daily commitment to support the administrative system by effectively notifying them about the discrepancies and shortfalls and providing solutions, without unwarranted criticism. Women and children have a bigger role to play in the improvement of things happening around and let this be inspiration for many more to step in without inhibition. All the four reporters and their reports were excellent and aptly intended to benefit the community they live in. I have to specially congratulate Ms Vamika Bajaj on her activities, promoting education amongst ordinary workers and highlighting it for the knowledge and participation of many like-minded individuals. I hope she did get the necessary support she was looking for by way of this report.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online.
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 18.12.2010 – Mobile Affinity
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 18.12.2010 – Mobile Affinity
I was recently on a visit to Kerala. It was raining heavily. As I had to go to a forest area, I decided not to carry my regular mobile phone, which had all my telephone contacts. On my way back, I witnessed an accident and suddenly felt the need to contact someone to alert about the incident.
It was at that moment I realised that in my temporary phone I did not have any contacts synchronised. I hardly remembered any required number. Luckily, I was able to remember the number of a friend in Abu Dhabi and conveyed the message and he, in turn, sent an SMS with the required contact numbers. His xtimely assistance helped me take the necessary action I wanted to.
Back in Abu Dhabi, on the first day itself, I happened to assist a colleague who lost his office key while he went out. He had two mobiles and both the phones were on his table, when he went outside for a quick task. His plight was worse as he did not remember even his own office emergency contact number. Luckily, things were sorted out quickly and he was able to recover the phones.
After these two incidents, it made me think and realise strongly, the more mobile we become, the more immobile we end up with. Whatever programming or systematic organising we do, the old book and paper system of recording is at times necessary for important matters.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.
For the benefit of those who are visiting Sabarimala this season- if possible, please avoid Swami Ayyapan Road if it is raining
For the benefit of those who are visiting Sabarimala this season- if possible, please avoid Swami Ayyapan road if it is raining
The following self explanatory pictures are added with brief narrations for the benefit of better understanding the situation I witnessed.
Rush of pilgrims on that day at Sabarimala
Here comes a heavily loaded tractor
Left with few contact numbers that came to my mind, I called up Amrita TV team in UAE, who in turn informed the reporters stationed at Sabarimala and captured the scene. Calls to Mathrubhumi helped me to get the direct number of Kerala Chief Minister Sri V S Achuthanandan and his Personal Assistant , after listening to me from the location, requested me to appraise the situation to the Devaswom Minister. A call to his office and talk with his Personal Assistant, I was assured, necessary measures will be taken with immediate effect.
With this community report, I kindly request those who read to circulate it amongst those who benefit from it on the dangers of using this road, when it is raining, and till the time the authorities define appropriate safety measures, for the tractor drivers, the dolly operators, the donkey operators and the poor animals and of course thousands of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala this season.
I also:
– request the authorities to kindly install necessary sign boards informing devotees not to rush and run down on the slopes as it is dangerous for them as well as those elderly or children who may be on their way.
– request the authorities to kindly place necessary police and ayyappa seva sangam volunteers on Swami Ayyappan Road to control the smooth passage of devotees and load carrying vehicles or animals till the time appropriate measures are in place for improved safety.
– request the authorities to kindly install ropes or other type of support system for devotees to hold and grip while they descend, especially on the numerous shortcuts which are extremely dangerous, and deceptive.
– although a repeat, I humbly request all young and regular devotees to patiently descend without rushing, as it is extremely dangerous for all those who use the same road for journey up and down.
More to be done and my personal efforts in this will be continued in this direction in the near future.
Abu Dhabi
12.12.2010
Latest update as on 15.12.2010
The above is the print screen shot of a news reported in Manorama Newspaper online and print dated 15.12.2010. Kerala Government have now approved a 5.5 crore budget to increase the width of the road from present 3.5m to 5 mts and build a wall on the dangerous edges enroute this road. There are plans to have additional or sufficient path for walking. It will be a concrete road. Since any expenditure above 10 lakhs needs special permission from an ombudsman and his approval is required, the proposal will be submitted to him shortly by the concerned authorities. I sincerely hope this will be approved and the road work will get done before the next Sabarimala Season.
Community Report – GULF NEWS – Dt. 06.12.2010 – A solution to the poster menace around Abu Dhabi
Community Report – GULF NEWS – Dt. 06.12.2010 – A solution to the poster menace around Abu Dhabi
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A solution to the poster menace around Abu Dhabi
Municipality could install notice boards at prominent places and charge fee
Sticking posters on walls and public bus stops has been an issue that spoils the image of cities all around the UAE. Motivated by the authorities’ new initiatives, I went around Abu Dhabi and decided to highlight a few cases.
I found that putting up bills and posters is not a one-off issue. They are pasted in all possible places at junctions and areas frequented by the public. A closer look brought out the content of most of the posters on display. They are either rooms for rent, tuitions or baby sitting jobs that are available.
This shows the need for a common, convenient and economic platform for the public who wish to advertise locally.
The same platform could also be used as an advertisement board to exhibit what is happening locally, within a short time frame.
Through this community report, I therefore call on the municipality and development departments to install simple notice boards at prominent corners in each neighbourhood.
People who wish to advertise could then do so after paying a fixed amount to the municipality or relevant authority. Inspectors could then monitor and also penalise those who post indiscriminately in non-designated places and spoil the beauty of our city.
A section of these notice boards could be used to post advertisements of programmes happening within the city, organised by the authorities as well as private parties. This option would bring in added revenue.
I sincerely hope this proposed system would help reduce the problem.
The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi
Be a citizen reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Write to us and send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com
To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 04.12.2010 – On ‘write’ path
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 04.12.2010 – On ‘write’ path
On ‘write’ path
I was with a friend the other day. As we walked discussing several topics, we passed a post box. Suddenly, our topic changed to the tradition and forgotten art of letter writing.
It is Christmas and New Year time and we remembered and talked to each other about the olden days when we used to anxiously wait for the greetings from relatives and friends. Those days have gone and the tradition is already extinct.
What made me interested was the fact he told me about his parents. For the past 20 years, he regularly writes to them every week. Once in a month, he takes a demand draft for their monthly expenses and posts it along with a small note discussing the small things happening with him and at the same time curiously asking what’s happening in their world.
This happens without fail, even though he calls them frequently. He was telling me how happy his parents were when they received his letter and when he gets their thank-you note acknowledging and detailing the smaller things, which gets past their usual phone calls.
I wish I could emulate him. I am sure many others who read this will also envy him.
Ramesh Menon
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 27.11.2010 – Creative Kids
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 27.11.2010 – Creative Kids
Creative kids
This was a busy week in which the UAE witnessed the visit of Indian President Prathibha Devising Patil.
A few days prior to her visit, Nov.14 to celebrate Children’s Day, a painting competition was organised by the Cultural Wing of the India Embassy. The event was held at Abu Dhabi Indian School. About 1,400 children from various schools in the UAE participated in this well organised event.
The senior participants were to choose any of the four themes – children of the world, save the girl child, the independence movement and the joys of childhood. Grades 1 to 4 pupils were given the themes of “Chacha Nehru” and “my school.” What made interesting insight into this event was the way the organisers made sure to make the children feel the presence of Jawaharlal Nehru. Those children who participated in the event thoroughly enjoyed it as they were well taken care of during the event.
Interests in non-performing arts like painting, drawing and writing give opportunity for children to express their mind and thoughts in simpler ways. Any given opportunity to conduct and showcase such talents should never be missed.
According to the organisers, the painting competition would be conducted every year.
One interesting factor came out of this competition was the fact that out of the 12 winners, 11 were girls and there was only one boy amongst the winners. Sunrise English Private School Abu Dhabi (4 prizes) came out with maximum winners followed by Abu Dhabi Indian School (3 prizes) and Delhi Private School Dubai (2 prizes). Delhi Private School Sharjah, St Joseph School Abu Dhabi and Gulf Asian School Sharjah bagged one price each.
An icing on the cake for the winners was that the Indian president distributed the prizes during her visit to Abu Dhabi Indian School.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.
A historic visit could lead to improvements – My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 24.11.2010
My Letters – THE NATIONAL – Dt. 24.11.2010 – A historic visit could lead to improvements
A historic visit could lead to improvements
Last Updated: Nov 24, 2010
Regarding US and India a defining partnership this century (November 8): I was thinking of the various landmark improvements that could come along with this visit after India was branded “a nation that has arrived” by the US president Barack Obama.
Yes, after a period of recession, India is coming out as a nation of importance. The UAE is also confidently emerging with economic and administrative capabilities as a regional leader of significance.
There are a few concrete steps India could take to improve its services. Air India could become more efficient and upgrade its quality in order to compete with other airlines. Exit surveys of passengers could be taken to update traveller information and improve the quality of service.
Universities such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences could also extend its branches to the UAE. Indian residents and international students could thus compete with each other without having to leave the Emirates. There could also be schools and universities in India teaching Arabic, Islamic studies and Islamic arts.
Such basics requirements – economically viable and punctual transportation, increased educational facilities, and a safe and secure working environment – are but some improvements that would capture the spirit of Mr Obama’s remarks.
I am thankful that I work in the UAE, where all my interests are well protected. I look forward to the add-ons that could further materialise from this historic visit.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.
Doing our bit – My Letters – Khaleej Times Dt. 23.11.2010
My Letters – Khaleej Times Dt. 23.11.2010 – Doing our bit
23 November 2010
This is in reference to a recent letter requesting the travellers to keep the visa page open while they queue for immigration at the airports. Travellers should be familiar with their passport entries like any addition of information, special endorsements and of course the page number on which visa is stamped for entry.
Immigration officers have a standard procedure of scanning through all the relevant details starting from the main page and may have queries in case any additional updates or amendments have been made in the passport.
Therefore, it is not necessary to keep the visa page open before meeting the officer.
He/she should be aware of the pages and entries in his/her and the family’s passport. This in turn will also help the officer as well as other passenger gain a speedier clearance.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 20.11.2010 – Helping Hand
Short Take – GULF TODAY – Dt. 20.11.2010 – Helping Hand
Helping hand
Last week was significant for sports lovers, especially in the UAE. The first-ever test cricket match played in UAE ended in a draw. More significantly, the 2nd edition of the F1 championship produced the youngest winner in a thrilling final.
These sports events were keenly watched by many and what made me as an interesting spectator of the thrilling finish at Yas Marina was the gesture by Sebastian Vettel, after halting his car.
Accepting the applause from the spectators he came out and kissed his car, laying his head on the tyres and the machine. It showed in one way or another man’s acceptance to the kindness of blessings from a super natural being to succeed in life, and keep all options and equipment accurate and running perfectly till any race we run is completed.
This also brings out another interesting event happened in my life last week. An organisation was changing their computer system and were left with 27 CPUs in good condition.
As the units were new and in good condition, they wanted to sell it for a nominal cost and suddenly one of their staff knew about me and my social connections and called me. I was happy to accept their request and spread the word around whether any takers for the same for socially benefiting cause.
Manzil – an organisation based in Sharjah, which gives care and learning environment to those with special needs and encourages them to explore their potential to the fullest, came forward to accept them.
With whole-hearted support from the organisation GHD, Abu Dhabi and their senior management and those two staff members, we were able to send the PCs to Manzil before the Eid holidays.
I could not control my tears of joy when I received a thank you note and special Eid greetings from those children and staff from Manzil as they accepted this unexpected gift on Thursday.
Job only half done as I look around for more volunteers to help them with the basics of computing.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online.
To know more about Manzil, please visit http://www.manzil.ae/
If interested to become a volunteer, please write to them directly at volunteer@manzil.ae
Short Take – Dt. 13.11.2010 – Point to ponder
Short Take – Dt. 13.11.2010 – Point to ponder
Point to ponder
Although, it is becoming cool outside, for somewhere, someone, the heat is on. Is it turning out to be real that there is an effect of financial crunch happening around?
The banking sector is also in greater caution and this is another major area for many of us who has an attitude to be there when in need. It is therefore important to be in touch with your regular friends/loved ones/contacts.
Make sure you get to create a communication and feel their pulse. I am sure you will definitely be able to get the feelings across, even if it is a silence or pause in the communication. But to be there at the time in need is the most important gift you can give to a friend or a well wisher of yours.
The reason for writing this here is an interview of Malayalam movie actor Dileep shown on TV sometime ago about one of his movie where he did a stunt scene by jumping into the sea.
In it he explained what was his feeling before jumping and once in motion down. No control, and life and death was seconds away. Luckily for him there were people to rescue, who were on standby. But a repeat shot had to be taken and he continued, there were no one around and it was really touch and go. Two years ago I had to go through the motions of the death of two friends who committed suicide. If someone was there to hold them/restrain them back from that crucial decision, life would have been an altogether different thing for their children.
We all boast of so many friends and well wishers on several media and social forums. How many of them will be there to care for you when in real need? A point to ponder?
So, let the party continue, enjoy life as it happens, but keep an eye and ear open for that precious silence somewhere around. You never know, when a chance hello or a short email from you will make you realise the reason for that precious silence and may give you an opportunity to be the most important person for someone whom you care.
ClicksandWrites 
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