Mind Speaks

An inspiring story – Gulf News Dt. 28-03-2014

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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

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

Drivers must obey rules in wet weather – The National Dt. 27-03-2014

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Drivers must obey rules in wet weather
There has been bad weather once again and multiple accidents on our roads (Heavy rain causes traffic delays and flooding throughout UAE, March 26).
It looks as if some people are determined to prove that whatever the authorities do to promote road safety, they will never change.
The scenario on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi road is the same every day. Even in wet weather, I see many drivers tailgating, driving above the speed limit and reading messages or texting while at the wheel.
The authorities should encourage road users to promptly alert them using 999 or another emergency contact number if they witness dangerous driving. At the same time, maintenance teams should ensure that they place adequate warning signs when there is roadwork happening.
If there is bad weather or other dangerous driving conditions, police, road transport authorities, radio stations and both du and ¬Etisalat should alert motorists.
I strongly believe that until and unless we are able to change drivers’ attitudes, our roads will never be safe.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the editor, The National
online 26/03/2014

in print 27/03/2014

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

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

A bench with no place to sit – Khaleej Times – Dt. 24 March 2014

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I believe and propagate through Passionate Photographers group on Facebook that every photo clicked is history. There will be a message or a story behind it. Some told, some untold. The above just an example of how some anti-social elements can damage public property that can be a danger to children and elderly. It is not an image wish to be seen around in a beautiful city. Hope, the authorities will repair and replace it soon as necessary requests have been made to highlight it to them.
Part of a Park, Ride and Click project. A Page 3 listing for an HSE effort.  Inspiring.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

This entry was posted in Community Reports, HSE, Khaleej Times, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Photo Speaks, Safety First.

Dangerous driving – Gulf Today, Dt. 22 March 2014

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Dangerous driving

After a meeting in Dubai, I was returning back home to Abu Dhabi. It was Thursday around 10:50 pm and the road was busy with drivers either returning home or were visitors to Abu Dhabi for the weekend.

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

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

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

Watch them flower – Reader Picture of the day – Gulf News Dt. 17 March 2014

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Watch them flower – Reader Picture of the day – Gulf News Dt. 17 March 2014

Have you ever watched the Date Palms flowering process. If not, watch them from now on. The trees have started flowering. 
Normally, the process happen after the second quarter of every year. But the last year, weather and nature was not kind enough and as a result, the palm trees did not flower during that time. These two important factors – Weather and Nature, always influence my photography. 
This year the UAE has been blessed with perfect weather and thus the trees have achieved their natural vegetation state.
It is time for you to take out your camera, identify a palm tree of your choice and photograph it every week, as the flowers grow and become a full fledged date fruit, which is harvested when it becomes ripe.
Enjoy your experiences as winter gives way to summer and all the related events occur.
It will be a good observation-cum-photography experience if you track it and also a great team activity with your friends and family. 
It will be a good experience for children to observe Nature and the seasonal changes and to observe and realise how nature announces the arrival of the seasons in its own way.

Since it is spread out over a period of four months, it will be also a test to find out how patient you are towards your short term and long term objectives.


For more on this activity, please visit and join:https://www.facebook.com/events/599177313457758/?source=3&source_newsfeed_story_type=regular

This entry was posted in Gulf News, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Our Story of the Date Palms, Passionate Photographers.

Time management – Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 15 March 2014

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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.

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

Abu Dhabi annual rainy day – video by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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https://www.youtube.com/v/EKjVfuWd_HQ?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata
It has been a routine to take photo and video of the rain that happens in Abu Dhabi for the past several years. Simply because, it is rare and it is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL thing I enjoy getting it. It is always one-off, it will remain so too. Just like the current bowling performance of Indian Cricket team – a one-off rare burst of six wickets by Ishant Sharma. A beauty to keep in mind for a long time. For all those who missed it, here it is.
However, when it rains, I get worried and try and reach home as early as I can, as it is the most dangerous time to be on the road. Many who are on the road doesn’t know how to drive safe when it rains.
Safety First – let that be our motto. Start Early, Drive Carefully, Reach Safely. Keep reminding.

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Mind Speaks, My videos, Passionate Photographers, Today in History.

From Tourist Club to Al Zahiyah

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Its weekend and time for all to explore Abu Dhabi. Tourist Club – no more the same as it is officially changed to Al Zahiyah. Many changes happening, starting with the name change, old buildings getting demolished in order to give way to new ones, new roads, more cameras…. it goes on. The good or bad thing about Abu Dhabi is once it is gone, gone for ever. You don’t see it again. All for good.
Abu Dhabi Mall from near and far

So once again another evening, another weekend, and time to take some rest and call friends and family. For many expats, a same routine.. In this photo above, a newspaper delivery boy sitting behind his cycle and calling someone. They work 7 days starting as early as 3:00 am. I know this as I get my newspapers delivered well before 4:00 am every day. Truly unsung heroes.

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Miscellaneous, Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Exploring Abu Dhabi, Mind Speaks, Photo Speaks.

Motorists endanger lives of others – Gulf News Community Report – Dt. 10 March 2014

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Motorists endanger lives of others



Reader raises concern over motorists stopping in the middle of the road and causing blocks.
By Ramesh Menon, Gulf News reader
Published: 16:52 March 9, 2014
There are several ways one can invite accidents. I witness one such situation very often.
It occurs just in front of a mall in the Tourist Club Area of Abu Dhabi. Many a times, cars stop to pick or drop passengers, delivery vans stop to off-load items, or even tourist buses stop to drop people.
The extreme right line is the place where all this is happening. This is a road where traffic exists at all times during the day and these violations create blocks and near misses.

The concerned authorities should come out with a mechanism or safety system to alert and avoid the recurrence of this practice.
To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online.
Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com

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

My comments : Decreasing overall speed should be goal of radar The National Dt. 09 March 2014

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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.

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