Short Take

Lest we forget – Short Take – Gulf Today, 17th May 2014

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Lest we forget

It was a small gathering of people who came with passion and emotion for the nation. The Talk Show, “Lest We Forget – Structures of Memory in the UAE” was organised by the curator and research team of The National Pavilion of the UAE for the 14th International Architecture Exhibition at the 2014 Venice Biennale, discussing the upcoming exhibition that presents a retrospective of the architectural history of the UAE from 1914-2014, with an emphasis on modern heritage buildings.
Those who attended were of different age groups. Some as young as in the 20s and some others in their late 60s. The age difference made no difference to their emotional feelings towards the country they lived in.
The UAE grew steadily and strongly during these 100 years. During the process, all missed the transformation from the olden to modern times during which several changes were made within and outside cities and villages.
The once famous Toyota Crowns, Carinas and Cressidas gave way to new models. The fixed rate taxis gave way to metered taxis. Many traditional souqs gave way to modern markets.
The conventional camel race within the boundaries of once harmoniously spent joint family home and time was there to cherish. Some recollected with emotion how they, as little children, assisted then in the surveys that formed the basis of the modern developments.
All the prominent architectural structures of the emirates were remembered. The changes, however, were felt more deeply and emotionally on a major architectural structure of the country, that was once rated among the top ten fountains that existed in the world.
Volcano Fountain — all those who remembered it, said with one word, we would love to see it back. Little girls, who once played around it, shared fond memories of their childhood. Their thoughts and voice were unique in their wish to see it back in Abu Dhabi.
I am confident the hard work by the curatorial team of the UAE National Pavilion in Venice Biennale, that will open on June 5, will not fail in bringing the fond memories alive. It will be a great moment for the visionary leaders of the UAE.
Ramesh Menon

Short Take – Gulf Today, 17th May 2014

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Short Take, Volcano Fountain.

Volcano fountain – Short Take – Gulf Today – 10th May 2014

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Volcano fountain
I love the UAE and always think of ways to contribute to the society.
Of late, I have been wondering if there is any possibility for the restoration of the historic Volcano fountain, that was there in Abu Dhabi, from the period 1984 – 2004. It was demolished and gave way to the modernisation of Abu Dhabi Corniche.
As we say, when something is there, we do not find its value, and when it is gone, we miss it very much.
Volcano Fountain, rated as one of the top 10 fountains in the world, was one such fascinating attraction.
Since 2005, I am making humble efforts to attract the attention of the authorities about its prestigious value in the architectural history of Abu Dhabi. The campaign is gaining momentum slowly and steadily.
Whoever were here during the period, and whoever were not here and watched the videos of it, say that it is one attraction that should be recreated in modern Abu Dhabi. It was a place where all nationalities once turned up to exchange pleasantries, met family and friends during weekends.
I continue to dream too, placing the Volcano Fountain among various probable scenic spots being developed within the city.
As they say, if you dream, Dream Big, and one day I wish and hope that my hope of recreating a new Volcano Fountain will come true too.
Ramesh Menon

Short Take – Gulf Today – 10th May 2014

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

Precious moment – Gulf Today – Short Take – Dt. 26 April 2014

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Precious moment

It was a very short notice call on Tuesday late afternoon from a friend inviting me to attend a function in Dubai. Normally, I do not rush up on things or commit myself to anything not in my schedule. Especially, if it is out of Abu Dhabi. But, when he explained to me the importance of it, I couldn’t resist myself and say no to him.

His son, Rohin Bajaj, along with two other girl students, Anagha Subash and Devayani Sainath, all from Abu Dhabi Indian School, were receiving the prestigious Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance. He wanted me to be there with him and the other proud parents to witness and capture the precious moment on my camera.

Children are always precious for me and I took off to Dubai, keeping my conscious approach and Safety First campaign always in my mind, Start Early, Drive Carefully, Reach Safely.

I paced myself in such a way that I was there in the auditorium well ahead of the scheduled start and witness the historic moment in the life of those three wonder kids and many other children and academicians who bagged this prestigious award.

In another interesting last-minute call on Thursday, I attended a family union of students from the college I graduated. It was after a long time that I was meeting some of my college mates and brought out memories of our good old days.

When asked to do a short presentation, I asked the audience, especially children, whether I should do so in English or in our native language, Malayalam. Many of the children asked me to address in Malayalam. I was impressed as some parents still inculcate in the minds of their children the need to connect with the mother language.

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.

A taste of culture – Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 19.04.2014

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A taste of culture
The UAE offers a perfect example of unity in diversity where an expatriate gets to know about various cultures, history and traditions.
It was such an occasion for me, being an Indian expatriate living in Abu Dhabi. The entertainment section of the Indian Social and Cultural Centre organised a cultural programme to celebrate the new year of various regional communities in a combined way. 
It was a harmonious blend of various festivities like Vishu, Ugadi, Pohela Boishakh, Bihu, Maha Vishu Sankranti, Varshapirappu, Baisakhi and Gudi Padwa. It united all residents from East, West, North and South of India with unique performances related to their region.
It was such a great evening that gave all a chance to understand that, to whichever part they belong, there is only one derivative for harmony and that is melodious music and rhythmic performance of dancers.
All the artists deserve credit. The organisers gave an opportunity for children and adults to understand deeper the unexplored country they came from. It turned out to be an evening not to forget for a long time.
Ramesh Menon

Gulf Today – Short Take – 19th April 2014
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online

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

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.

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.

Need to help out – Gulf Today – Short Take – 29 March 2014

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Need to help out
Life is so unpredictable and several times we get to meet people from different walks of life who are in dire straits.
We often feel we are the ones who are suffering without any respite but when we listen to those around, we realise our sorrows are nothing when compared to theirs.
It was in one such instance when I met a young person. He is struggling, with a job that is not permanent and wife suffering from cancer.
As he was talking to me, calls were coming in from collection units of banks for delayed payments. Helpless as he was, he tried to explain his situation.
But, they were not in a mood to listen.
They had their own targets and were suspecting whether he was genuinely expressing his situation or trying a trick with them to delay the payments.
Life around now is not a one-off situation as this young one. There are many.
There is need for more responsible involvement from community organisations to safeguard the welfare of the expatriates.
Residents should be made aware of excessive borrowing than what they can afford, and at the same time, there should be a collective mechanism to step in voluntarily and help those who are in need of emergency medical need.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

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

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.

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.

Shining example – Gulf Today – Short Take – 08 March 2014

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Shining example

Passion for photography has taught me a lot of things. From keen observation to contributions for the welfare of the society, there are no limits for a lensman.

Last week, with a view to unwind, I thought I should go out and play some sports. Cricket was an option. I went ahead and as usual carried my camera too.

 I met a man, about 25 years old, and he was there with me to click along. I started a conversation with him. He is a student of Architectural Engineering in Dubai. His parents were here, but they had to leave when he finished school. In order to continue his education and support his parents, he stayed back, and took several part-time activities, including RJ jobs, computer graphics and photography.

Over a period of time, he became an established photographer doing independent events. With his pooled income from all these activities, he now continues his studies.

Talking to him, and rather allowing him to talk, I learnt quite a lot about photography, from his perspective and about his worldly experience, the experience of a 25-year-old trying best of his efforts to come up in his life.

This person, who introduced himself as Akbar, has proved to be an inspiring youth. With such ambition and determination, youngsters can sure shine.

Ramesh Menon

Gulf Today – Short Take – Dt. 08 March 2014
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.