TQM India

Guidelines for Indians – released by Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi: The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a set of guidelines for Indian expats, giving them a list of do’s and don’ts for hassle-free living in the UAE.
The 34-page booklet titled Guidelines for Indians covers practical tips on a range of issues from general conduct, accommodation and driving to employment, finance, debt and import of medicines. It also spells out the services offered by the mission, the Indian Government’s welfare schemes and key contact numbers within the UAE. These guidelines will soon be available on the Indian Embassy website http://www.indembassyuae.org/
“The publication of the guidelines is yet another initiative to improve access to services by sharing information with the general public and enhancing a culture of transparency,” Indian Ambassador T.P. Seetharam said.
The in-depth section on employment spanning six pages covers everything from what an employment contract is and stipulated leave entitlements to sponsorships and how you can get labour disputes resolved.
Similarly, the check-list on accommodation advises expats to ensure they rent it “preferably from owner directly”; look for “24-hour security and availability of proper supply of water and electricity, preferably in pest-free buildings”, etc. Tips like “onus on payment of air-conditioning fees must be clarified” are also included.
Driving guidelines warn against throwing trash out of the car; hand gestures and taking to the roads under the influence of alcohol as it can lead to imprisonment and deportation. It also offers advice on how to get an international licence.
The list for general conduct say women can wear Indian/western clothes “but conservatively”; roads must be crossed only through zebra crossings and that residents should not eat or drink in public during Ramadan.
The financial tips are more detailed, warning Indian nationals not to blindly jump at credit card offers, withdrawing cash from them, using them to pay for investments or signing blank cheques to get credit cards. It reminds them that interest on these cards is very high and is charged on a monthly basis. “So do not take a personal loan unless it is for family emergencies such as medical expenses. While these loans are at low interest rates of 8-10 per cent, often people find it difficult to service them,” it says, adding: “If you really need to take cash loan, your priority should be a salary transfer loan or loan against assets like gold, fixed deposit or car.”
News Text courtesy: Gulf News online :
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/indian-expats-issued-guidelines-on-living-in-the-uae-1.1395848
Soft version of the guidelines: as provided by Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi
Please share it online with as many Indian residents as possible.
Thanks and regards,

Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes

For all my readers:

(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon

This entry was posted in Guidelines for Indians, TQM, TQM India.

Overflowing toilets – a serious hygiene issue at Kadugodi Bus Station.

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Overflowing toilets – a serious hygiene issue at Kadugodi Bus Station.



On Saturday, 4th October 2014, a few of us came out with a plan to clean up the Kadugodi Pedestrian Over Bridge. It is almost a year since this structure became a reality. As regular users and also concerned community members, we were worried by the amount of waste materials being dumped on it. Added to it, the roof of the connecting side of the bridge to the railway station was heavily dumped with falling leaves, thrown away food and plastic materials.

It was an effort carried out by only few of us but we made sure the objective was well achieved.

A huge support was extended from the Whitefield Railway Station Manager, Mr. Anand Sivaram and his staff.

However, carrying out the cleaning campaign, we were shocked to observe an extremely serious hygiene issue.

At the side of the bridge connecting the BMTC station, we found, heavy leakage and clogging from the toilets of the bus station. As you may see from the photo attached, it was extremely disturbing site to see.

Checking with the Railway Station Manager, we found that, repeated plea from Railways to cement the leakage has been ignored and have seen no favorable action from BMTC side till now.

With frequent rain and with the waste accumulate increasing by each passing day; the situation is turning to a serious hygiene issue for public. There are many cases of dengue and other diseases getting reported and this will be another reason for spreading such cases.

It has to be noted that more than 10,000 people use the sky bridge for reaching the bus or railway station every day. 

Thinking more about it, I now find the reason why I get to see BMTC drivers and conductors relieving themselves on the road. The male staff can get away like that. But, what about the female staff? Where do they go, if the facilities are not properly maintained and managed?!

Organisations like BMTC should act proactively for the welfare of the public and their staff.

I humbly request BMTC Management through the office of BMTC MD, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, to consider urgent repair of the toilets at Kadugodi BMTC station and plug the leaks and work hand in hand with Railway authorities to avoid any hygiene issues.

Sincere regards,
Ramesh Menon

Additional reading: 

Thank you – Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign

For all my readers:


(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon

This entry was posted in HSE, Kadugodi Improvement Project, TQM India.

Need for increased "speed control measures" by BTP in Kadugodi area

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The connecting road from Hoskote to Hope Farm area of Whitefield Bangalore has been relayed beautifully by the authorities.

The work has been done in such a way that the road till the Kadugodi Over Bridge is smooth and in a drivable condition.

There is a danger awaiting here at all times.

With the completion of the road work, the traffic has gained momentum in terms of speed. This includes the buses and heavy trucks.

A U-turn exists near the bridge making it easy for residents of nearby communities to cross over to the other side of the road.

However, the removal of a speed breaker that existed is now causing lot of inconvenience and near miss situations for the drivers to turn and proceed.

The bikes, trucks and buses are all in a hurry and neither stops nor reduce the speed!

Another serious danger of children from an apartment complex nearby crossing over the road to take their school bus. On either side, these vehicles never reduce the speed. Coming down the narrow bridge, the vehicles tend to speed and proceed. Going towards the bridge, the vehicles compete with each other to reach the bridge first!

It doesn’t end there. Many vehicles coming from the Hoskote side, take advantage of the U-turn and cut across wrongly and proceed towards the market side or residential communities located there. This is extremely dangerous and has to be immediately controlled.

I humbly request BTP on this serious safety issue and resolve it by:

– Having appropriate reduce speed signage kept in this area.

– Having BTP patrol presence in the morning, especially when children go to school.

– Having increased BTP patrol presence, on first Sunday of the month where a regular function is held at Sai Vrindavan Ashram and heavy traffic and people movement happens.

– Kindly reroute the heavy trucks from this road and using the bridge, which causes regular traffic blocks.

Accidents have to be averted by taking necessary safety measures before and not after they have happened and valuable life lost.

Ramesh Menon

For all my readers:


(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon

This entry was posted in Bangalore Traffic Police, HSE, Kadugodi Improvement Project, Road Safety, Road Safety India, Road Safety UAE, Safety First, TQM India.

Sai Gokuldham Bangalore – an abode of a different kind

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Sai Gokuldham Bangalore – an abode of a different kind
Sai Gokuldham
Sai Gokuldham, situated at Vaghatta agraha, about 18 kms from Kadugodi, Whitefield A divine place to visit. It is one of my favourite places to visit and didn’t want to miss this time too. Run by Sri A P N Sharma ji, Sai Gokuldham takes good care of old, disowned, injured animals.  The village is also called Yogapuri, and said to be a chosen place  where yogis meditate.
In its final days, our time spent with this bull was really worth
During our visit, we met a few animals who are very young and another stet very old, and one of them in the last stage of its life.

Due to water shortage, the facility is being shifted to a new location at Maloor shortly, which will have more space for the animals. There will be also option for farming the grass required for the animals at the new facility.
Sri APN Sharama is looking for support for setting up this new facility. If anyone is interested to support, may contact him on +91 9845024039 or email: mayur_elecblr@rediff.com, cool_n83@rediffmail.com.
Sri APN Sharma

options for children to feed the animals

a retired guard dog has now found is home at Sai Gokuldham

It will be a good CSR activity to visit and spent half a day there supporting his great effort.
Recreation and refreshments can be arranged on request.
God bless and sincere regards,
Ramesh Menon

This entry was posted in CSR, e Nidhi SREE Nidhi, Sai Gokuldham, TQM India.

An evening well spent at Sai Ashrayadham

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Following the efforts of the morning, we moved on to Sai Ashrayadham this evening. A short bhajan session with children and patient aids who stay there and served dinner. Feeling contented.

This entry was posted in CSR, e Nidhi SREE Nidhi, TQM India.

Thank you – Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign

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Thank you – Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign

Dear all,
Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign – Saturday, 4th October 2014
We Did It! Thanks to the support of all those who volunteered, we did a campaign to clean the pedestrian overbridge at Kadugodi, Whitefield Bangalore. Starting at 09:30, it took us 3:30 hours to complete the job. Sincere thanks to Amit Das, Jayanth Bhat, Deepika Jayanth Bhat, Rajashree Menon and Suraj Menon. Of course, a respectable mention and thanks to Sri Anand Sivaram, Manager, Whitefield Railway Station and staff of Kadugodi Police Station.

It was an experience of a special kind. We received “Thank you”, “Good Job” and also Thumbs up sign from many who used the bridge during the time we were cleaning. It was nice to see some unknown people, readily volunteering and took the broom from our side and did cleaning for some time and then continuing to their work. As a coin has two sides, there were those who passing negative comments!.


It is just a beginning only.
Now, we need a few things in place:
1. BBMP support to keep the area neat and clean and fine those who post notices or flex boards on it.
2. If BBMP cannot maintain the bridge, a provision to handover it to the Railways, who are willing to keep the area safe and clean. (item 1 and 2 are my next objective).

3. About 20 dust bins to be kept on each corners of it (if anyone interested to volunteer and provide – welcome – need your help – any volunteers!).


4. During the campaign, I happened to discover a bigger issue issue that is happening in the area, which is not known to many. The toilets of the BMTC bus station are overflowing. BMTC are not listening to Railways requests to plug this problem. It will be an additional item in my agenda to get this hygiene issue resolved.

Temporary arrangement has been done to keep the area neat and clean for the time being on a daily basis. But permanent solution is what I am searching for with the co-operation of BBMP, Railways and BMTC.


Once again, thanks to all of you who supported, blessed us to take up this initiative.
Now, not as a challenge – but as an initiative – Are you interested to take up a similar campaign in your neighbourhood? If so, kindly share this and spread the word around. If a small team comprising few of us could try and do it, I am sure; you can definitely do it in a better way.
Sincere thanks,

Ramesh Menon
Saturday, 4th October 2014, Kadugodi, Whitefield, Bangalore

This entry was posted in HSE, Kadugodi Improvement Project, Kadugodi Whitefield Pedestrian Overbridge, TQM, TQM India.

Need for Speed Breakers before Kadugodi Over Bridge

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The connecting road from Hoskote to Hope Farm area of Whitefield Bangalore has been relayed beautifully by the authorities. The work has been done in such a way  that the road till the Kadugodi Over Bridge is smooth and in a normal drivable condition as any other standard road. However, this is only on one side. The opposite side of the road still has patches done on a temporary basis that a heavy rain followed by a few heavy trucks can bring it back to the old dangerous condition.

The danger here is not any of these. With the completion of the road work, the traffic has gained momentum in terms of speed. This includes the buses and heavy trucks. A U-turn exists near the bridge making it easy for residents of nearby communities to cross over to the other side of the road. However, the removal of a speed breaker that existed is now causing lot of inconvenience and nearby situations for the drivers to turn and proceed. The bikes, trucks and buses are all in a hurry and neither stop nor reduce the speed!. There is also another serious danger of children from an apartment complex nearby crossing over the road to take their school bus.

Hope, the responsible authorities open their eyes immediately on this serious HSE issue and resolve it by a standard and non-life threatening speed breaker before the U-Turn.

There is one more activity that has to be noted and actions to be taken to avoid dangers and inconvenience to traffic. It is the use of this road by heavy trucks. Many times they breakdown on the bridge causing traffic delays. Control measures have to be made to keep these trucks away from this road till Hope Farm area.

Accidents have to be averted by taking necessary safety measures before and not after they have happened and valuable life lost.

Ramesh Menon

15 September 2014

This entry was posted in Bangalore Traffic Police, HSE, Kadugodi Improvement Project, Life in Bangalore, TQM India.

HMT Watch – a history

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How many of you have a HMT watch? Would love to read your memories related to it.

This entry was posted in TQM India.

Listen to ideas – Short Take – Gulf Today – 2 August 2014

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Listen to ideas

On a short visit to India, I am touring around various cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore and my home town, Irinjalakuda.
While I travel by air and road, I also drive at most places as it gives me an opportunity to cover life in the villages through my lenses.
The situation changes when I am in my hometown and under the umbrella of my aged parents. They do not allow me to drive and the onus is on our family driver Jose to take me around the city.
He is a man of wisdom. Driving around, he has clear ideas on what needs to be done and what went wrong on highway development activities.
The one-way system in Trichur and Ernakulam, the highway medians that occupy a lot of space and reduce traffic flow are some points that require immediate corrective action.
Having worked in Iraq and Saudi for a long time, he is thorough with modernisation. I wish there was a better mechanism where the authorities listened to the voice of common people in India. Just like the “Have Your Say” programmes in many government departments in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE authorities have been highly progressive and receptive to the voice of its residents. This has encouraged people like me to contribute regularly with ideas and suggestions.

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, TQM India.

Kadugodi/Whitefield Railway Pedestrian Over Bridge now a reality – Thank You All

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Dear Friends and well wishers,

I am extremely happy to inform you all that the Kadugodi Railway Over Bridge is now a reality. My sincere thanks goes to all those who put in an effort to make a CRY for this important path way. Sincere thanks also goes to the Indian Railway authorities, local administrative staff, politicians and all media and journalists who understood the importance of this pedestrian over bridge at Whitefield Railway Station. We have lost many life and let no death happen again as a result of crossing the railway track. 

http://www.clicksandwrites.blogspot.ae/search/label/Kadugodi%20Whitefield%20Pedestrian%20Overbridge

Thank you all those who supported. To all Passionate Photographers group members. This is just one example, what you can do if you have a Passion for Photography and commitment to the safety of the society you live.

God bless,

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
15th November 2013

p.s: Photo Courtesy: Deepika Jayanth Bhat.
And she comments:

Finally the pedestrian fly over construction is completed and before inauguration we have started using it. But my concern is, what is the use of so many approaches made by number of people to get this fly over constructed! Where as a large group of people still prefer to cross the railway tracks by redrisking their lives without any hesitation!!! I pity!!! It hardly tales 4minutes to use the fly over but people find 4minutes walk not necessary! My opinion is to Close all the gates which provides easy for people to cross the tracks directly and make it compulsory to use the fly over!

This entry was posted in Kadugodi Whitefield Pedestrian Overbridge, TQM India.