Short Take

Youth power – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt. 22 February 2014

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Youth power
I had an opportunity to attend a forum “Big Achievements. Early Starts” conducted by the Salama Bint Al Nahyan Foundation. The five youth achievers, Abdul Muqeet Abdul Mannan, Adeeb Al Blooshi, Cameron Oliver, Dubai Abulhoul  and Hamda Al Bana were honoured.
They made individual presentations to the audience and followed it up with a one-to-one conversation. They talked about the rationale behind their ideas, how they accomplished them and the difficulties they faced.
All of them were crystal clear about their chosen path and had definite vision for their life ahead.
It also highlighted that these children are definitely an asset to the society and inspire many others as they progressed ahead.
No wonder, the forum opened up the hidden wealth of the nation – that is the “youth.” All those who attended left with confidence that the leaders of the country are rightly investing in local talents with a vision far ahead to make the UAE stand tall and proud among the nations of the world.

Ramesh Menon
Gulf Today, Short Take Dt. 22nd February 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, Sheikha Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, Short Take, TQM, UAE.

Disciplined life – Gulf Today – Short Take – Dt. 15 February 2014

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Disciplined life
During my recent visit to Bangalore, I was lucky to be with a close family friend and her mother. She had just lost her father.
After the rituals got over, she had brought her mother to stay with her at Bangalore rather than be at their village house in a faraway place. Just to bring her back to normal life, we decided to take her for a short drive one evening.
On our way, the talk revolved around her late father.
I realised from her and her mother a lot of things that one should emulate in life. Although in good health till he met with an accident, he was farsighted and had maintained a systematic life.
He was keeping a diary and had written even minute details of all things, including his financial dealings in it. He had also listed down in detail all the investments he had made for the family. Surprisingly, a few weeks before he had also made a will and had correctly nominated his wife and children to their respective rights and reserves.
Unfortunately, fate had its own way and it proved handy for his family when he passed away in short time.
Although they lost him, they never felt struck for any important matters related to the day-to-day running of the family because of his systematic way of life. It was visible from the full gratitude and expression of that elderly lady during her reminiscences of her ex-husband and life with him.
To live and leave this world peacefully without causing any trouble to anyone is really a blessing.
Ramesh Menon

Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 15 February 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.

Best wishes to a dear little one for a beautiful married life ahead

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My writing has brought me several friends from various parts of the world. Many of them, I have never seen and know that I will never get to see. Still, we keep communicating with each other over several mutually interesting topics.
Strangely, some of them are in UAE and even known for a long time, but never met!.
Two weeks ago, I received a call from one such friend.
Hello, I am going on leave tomorrow. He continued; this time it is something special. 
I was curious to listen further. My daughter is getting married!


What? I asked him. 
One of the topics during our discussions were about our children and their education and progress. Suddenly, It was a surprise for me that, the little one we were talking all these time is now ready to take up an entirely interesting phase of her life.
Marriage and motherhood completes the transformation of a girl to women.
I wished him, his family and especially his daughter our prayers and blessings and conveyed our apologies to be not able to attend.
It also brought a bigger thought. My children are also growing up, although a few years younger, but they are getting ready to be there. Only difference is that they are boys. So, may be a few years more to wait. Who knows?
Is there any real difference these days to have a boy or a girl as child?
An interesting topic for you to think about. 

This entry was posted in Mind Speaks, Short Take.

‘Safety First’ mantra – Gulf Today – Short Take – Dt 18 January 2014

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‘Safety First’ mantra
The year 2014 for the UAE literally began with a big bang when Dubai created history with one of the most exhilarating fireworks display ever witnessed in recent times. It took great effort and lots of dedicated man-hours to achieve the fantastic feat.
Meanwhile, the Chinese year of the Horse has already gained momentum and we are already into its third week within no time.
Promoting safety is one aspect I have been concentrating on for sometime now — especially road safety.
Whichever way one tries to educate people, it is careless minds and actions that spoil all the good work, which is very sad. However, our focus should not be derailed and efforts to maintain safety should continue with sustained interest and dedication.
The recent accident on Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Highway is a case in point. If only sufficient caution had been exercised by those on the road at the time, the accident – which was one of the most serious on the emirate’s roads — could have been averted.
The other day, I was overtaken by a minibus, whose speed limit is supposed to be 80kmph, while I was cruising along at just below that speed. Seeing that I was not inclined to accelerate, he began gesticulating and shouting at me. I gave him way and he sped past at a much higher speed than permitted.
I allowed him to overtake me in order to note down the details of his transport company so as to alert them about his driving style.
After a signal, when I finally caught up with him, by way of mocking at me to slow down, he began indicating to me the presence of a speed camera that was installed ahead.
The incident reinforces my belief that there will be no escape from tragedies till road users stop making mockery of traffic safety regulations.
Let “Safety First” remain our mantra for the benefit of all.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online (Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 18 January 2014)

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

Searching for answer – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 11 January 2014

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Searching for answer

Recently, I met an old friend after a very long time. We talked about the years that have passed by. His children have grown up and are now in college.

I remember those kids when they were very young and carried the same memories of them even now. 

However, while speaking to him, I understood that they were no more small kids.

They had their own views and clear-cut conviction of life for them now and ahead. The new technologies like Internet and other online facilities available to enhance knowledge are their aids.

It reminded me of my childhood and the lack of such facilities then. We were dependent on teachers and elders for guidance to choose future paths.

After my friend left, I kept on thinking about which is the right method – the older or the new generation. Haven’t got an answer yet!

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, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, Short Take.

Safety first – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt 28 December 2013

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 Safety first
The year 2013 just giving its way to a new year. It was a year of mixed fortune and feelings for many. Natural disasters beyond imagination that happened in Philippines and continuous man made calamities took several life known and unknown to us.
It was also an year of achievements and hope for many. Dubai getting Expo 2020 was one such great occasion, which all residents of the UAE are keenly looking forward to.
If there is a growth, it has to happen collectively and with all putting equal and combined effort. Road Safety is one important issue that I would wish everyone puts in a combined effort.
Let all of us decide to follow traffic rules strictly and do not show any road rage and do not violate pedestrian rules in the coming year. Let there be no man-made accident due to negligence. Safety first, let that be our motto for the year 2014

This entry was posted in Gulf Today, HSE, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2013, Safety First, Short Take.

Rein in the rage – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 04 January 2014

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To write or not, has always been a mind teaser within me. Expression of thoughts as it comes has been an unwinding process for a long time.
From small topics to bigger ones, by now, it has indeed given me lot of space on the Web. As also, several contributions to the community.
Earlier days, they used to repeatedly say pen is mightier than the sword. In a way, it is true even now.
One such achievement is the effort for continuous campaigns on pedestrian safety.
The media and authorities are devoting more attention to streamline things to make our roads much safer.
However, there are a few who ignore the basics and cause destruction to themselves and others.
New Year eve was one such occasion where I witnessed road rage by many, for no reason whatsoever.
Some cars were moving at unimaginable speed and coming too close to the bumper.
I was imagining a driver who was new on the road to get in between these mad minds.
More needs to be done to alert authorities and control this tendency and try and curb it as much as possible.
There is no rest for me till then. I will continue to write, using all possible platforms. That’s the resolution for 2014.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Short Take : Gulf Today Dt. 04 January 2014

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

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

Noble path – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt 13 July 2013

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Noble path

The Holy Month of Ramadan is here now.

Incidentally, this year it has the longest duration of daytime added to it. I congratulate all those who observe the rituals of this divine month. 

Along with some friends, I am doing my bit to help those who are in need during this month.

We have convinced those who conduct Iftar parties in our circle to reduce the quantity of food display and utilise the spare amount generated to provide Iftar to those in need.  If about 100 members from our company participate in an official Iftar, we cut costs and make sure to feed 100 poor people for an Iftar.

Those at the top and friends have appreciated the idea and we are proceeding with it. 

The feeling within is immense happiness brightened by the glowing face of those who receive it. 

The joy of sharing has to be experienced at least during the Holy Month.

Ramesh Menon

This entry was posted in Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2013, Short Take.

Maths in Daily Life – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 22 June 2013

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This entry was posted in Gulf Today, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2013, Short Take.

No Thanks – Gulf Today – Short Take – 15 June 2013

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No thanks



During a recent visit to India, I happened to meet a group of hospital staff who work at the intensive care unit of a prominent hospital. 

Always alert and attentive to take maximum care of the patients who arrive there, they all projected a high level of human kindness and positive attitude.

Patients arrive in all shapes and conditions of health, and the staff individually and as a group work day and night with a smile till those whom they attended get back to life and walk back to their home as normal as he or she can.

One day, a senior doctor who was in charge of the emergency and trauma unit told me that out of 10 patients who get discharged, we get a thank you from 1 or maximum 2. They do not even utter a word of appreciation or happiness on what they received all the time they were in. This specially when the majority of the patients are young, well-educated and working for high-end companies.

This is a question I myself ask several times these days with many recent incidents of heavy pay and free flow of money to jobs and sports derailing our modern youth. Is it that elevation to high paying jobs at a young age make our youth forget basic human values and social responsibilities?
Ramesh Menon

Gulf Today Dt. 15 June 2013
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/d4cb1397-ebd8-428f-a61f-371b3ea0687d.aspxNo 

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