TQM

Gold in short supply in Dubai

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XPRESS reports:
Gold in short supply in DubaiBuyers come in droves to buy coins and biscuits

My comments as follows:

I believe the unexpected drop in gold price in UK market have forced the wholesale dealers in Dubai to hold their stock as reserves and wait for the market to move up again. If not, they will be incurring huge loss on stock they bought for high price which they have to release to the market to meet the demand created due to the current global scenario. I am sure it is the case in all the major gold markets, including India and in particular Kerala, where there is always a huge demand for gold. Those who have invested in gold, it is a time to hold on to it as prices will move up again. Those who have not invested in it, take advantage of the situation and buy some yellow metal for keep, only and only if you have reserve cash. However, caution to NOT USE YOUR CREDIT CARD for buying gold. You will regret heavily later.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

To read it in original, please visit XPRESS online.

This entry was posted in Gulf News, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2013, TQM, UAE, XPRESS.

Tremor reminds us of the need for emergency drills

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I felt the tremor at Abu Dhabi Mall on Tuesday (High-rises evacuated amid quake tremors, April 10), and I would like to make some observations.
If ever such an alarming situation happens again, and instructions are given to evacuate, people should not prolong their stay within the premises by asking questions such as “When can I come back?”, or continue with their meetings, coffee or telephone conversations.
They should leave immediately, taking the suggested route to the safest location in the open.
Equally important is that people should not rush towards the basement car park to move their cars out of the building.
This created chaos and confusion. I think the doors to the car park should have been blocked.
With the number of high-rises increasing, I think building owners and the civil defence authorities should conduct regular exercises to educate people how to act in such situations.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, HSE, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2013, The National, TQM.

Mandatory GPS

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Mandatory GPS Many of the leading airlines in the UAE provide the limousine service to pick up and drop off their business and first class passengers. However, recently it has become a nightmare to deal with the transport companies that carry out this service on behalf of the airlines. The guests are confirmed and then reconfirmed of their booking and address, two days prior to their departure. It is then followed up with a phone call, when the guests are given the contact number of their driver. Beyond all this, on the day of travel the driver usually finds it difficult to reach the passenger’s given address at the promised time, which leads to worries about the delay in reaching the airport on time.

Guests sometimes hire a taxi or ask a friend for an emergency drop off. This happens, I believe, when the transport companies use drivers based in Dubai to pick up passengers from Abu Dhabi or vice versa. I humbly request all major airlines functioning in the UAE to make it mandatory for their service providers to install a Global Positioning System (GPS) in their vehicles. This would save the hassle for both drivers and passengers. In addition, an effective implementation of GPS in all taxis within the cities should also be thought about and incorporated soon to make our transport system much more efficient.

From Mr Ramesh Menon,Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online

This entry was posted in Gulf News, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2013, TQM.

​Run to fight cancer

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​Run to fight cancer

The Pinkathon movement promotes awareness about breast cancerwhich has a high incidence rate amongst Indians. It is the second most common form of cancer with the number of new cases being reported rising yearly.

A majority of the new cases are caught in advanced stages, thereby increasing the mortality rates. Most of these cases are reported fromurban India with the metros of Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata figuring prominently. Breast cancer in these areas is three times more than in rural India.

Apart from genetic causes, women with higher educational qualifications and an adaptation of the westernized lifestyle are more at risk of contracting breast cancer. A point to be noted is that breast cancer when detected in the early stages, is one of the most curable forms of cancer. Self-examination, clinical examinations and mammographic tests are the basic steps involved.

The Times of India presents Pinkathon in association with Times Foundation

To register SMS TOIBFW PINK YOUR NAME to 58888
Date of Marathon: 7th April 2013
Venue: Sree Kanteerava Stadium
Time: 6.30 am Free:
First 500 registrations before 29th March
Registrations close on 31st March 2013

My comments as follows:

I sincerely wish it create the awareness in the most genuine way. Most of the time, these runs create only momentary awareness and all forget the danger that is slowly affecting most of the women. Awareness on Breast Cancer should be taken to all level through continuous Corporate and Social participation. Regular presentation to schools and colleges to make young girls and working women understand how to do a self examination and how to monitor if there is any signs of it. They should be also encouraged to pass on this knowledge to their family and friends. Let no life be lost due to Breast Cancer

To read it in original, please visit Times of India Online.

This entry was posted in Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2013, Times of India, TQM.

GPS systems can make life easier

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GPS systems can make life easier



Most of the leading airlines serving provide a limousine service to pick up and drop off their business and first-class passengers.
However, recently, it has become a nightmare to accept the services offered by the transport companies who operate these vehicles on behalf of the airlines.
The guest must confirm and reconfirm his or her location at least two days before departure.
However, in my experience, the driver often still has difficulty finding the location. Many of the cars do not have GPS – or, if a GPS is installed, the driver does not know how to use it.
In many cases, the driver is unable to reach the passenger’s home at the agreed time, meaning there is a delay in reaching the airport.
Sometimes, I have had to get a taxi or call on a friend or relative to drop me off at the airport when the car has not arrived.

I think that the major airlines should make it mandatory for the vehicles they use to have a GPS system and a driver who is trained to use it. This would avoid unnecessary telephone calls, arguments and frustration.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi


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

This entry was posted in Letters to the editor, Opinion 2013, The National, TQM.

5th Used Book Fair, an Invitation to Donate Books

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5th Used Book Fair, an Invitation to Donate Books
Volunteer and Partner with SCHS to Endorse Reading & Preserve Books

Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) is finalizing preparations for the Fifth Used Book Fair which is going to be organized from February, 26th to March 1st 2013, in the Palm Garden at Lake Khaled in collaboration with Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). 

Her Highness Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Director General of SCHS, directed heads of organizing committees to evaluate previous book fairs, find advantages and disadvantages, and set up plans in order to improve this year’s Used Book Fair. 
With a number of objectives, including promoting the habit of reading through low priced books, planting the spirit of volunteerism in the minds of youth as well as raising funds to support the services and programs which SCHS provides to people with disabilities 5th Used Book Fair will begin on the 26th of February, 2013.  
It provides cultural and educational services to the entire community through recycling books. 
SCHS aims at integrating people with disabilities, encouraging volunteerism and introducing disabled students to public and private schools.
Jihad Abdel Qader directed his sincerest thanks to SCHS’s partners and 5th Used Book Fair sponsors and asked individuals and organizations to contribute to the event, which is organized to advance the academic knowledge of people through donating books.  He commented, “before collecting and receiving donated books, SCHS organizes a number of activities such as an informative campaign to get in touch with the public and motivate them to donate books. 
We receive donations at SCHS premises in Al Yarmouk Area. 
There is also the following number 06-5669966 for those who are interested or have the desire to participate or donate books”. 
To conclude, Jihad asked individuals and institutes to protect the accumulative knowledge of human beings and endorse the value of books as a source of information.
This year the Used Book Fair is targeting a variety of organizations, schools, universities, centers, and charities in partnership with Sharjah Educational Zone, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, and Youth Centers.
The partnerships and event maintains several objectives including; promoting the reading as a habit through offering low priced books, planting the spirit of volunteerism within youth and raising funds to support the services and programs which SCHS provides to people with disabilities.

Mona Abdel Kareem, Head of Public Schools Committee, believes the event provides cultural and educational services to the entire community.  She stated, “SCHS aims at integrating people with disabilities, encouraging volunteerism, and introducing disabled students to public and private schools.  Moreover, the Used Book Fair will provide financial support to SCHS through its revenues”. 
She also mentioned participation conditions which include donating books that are in good condition. Magazines and periodicals are excluded. 

Students who donate more than 20 books will receive a certificate in order to motivate them for further participation in such activities as well as allow them to feel the value of books.  Individuals, bodies, and institutes assisting in collecting books will be honored as well.

Another privilege for taking part in the Used Book Fair, according to Mona, would be the organizations or entities ability to be advertised before and throughout the event on fliers, banners and various other forms of media. 
Al Khaleej Newspaper will publish a quarter add page in color for the Used book Fair including its name and logo of these schools. 
As for pricing, it will begin from 3 AED for stories and books to 20 AED for references. 
Decorations will be left to participants to decide within the Organizing Committee standards.
February 20th 2013, is the current deadline to receive books and register participants.  
Furthermore, a special brochure with information about participants will be given to visitors in order to facilitate their certificate. 
Public and private schools can coordinate with Mohammad Bakr, Head of Activities and Programs Committee, for supplementary activities. 

Mona asked participating individuals and volunteers to commit begin at 10:00 AM and ends at 10:00 PM for their participation. 
They should work in harmony and cooperation in order to reflect a positive image of this cultural, intellectual and educatiional activity.  She recommended organizing shifts within the concept of team work. 
Khadeja Bamakhramah, Head of Centers, Institutes, and Charities Committee, spoke about participation standards. 
Schools which donate less than 2000 books will have one booth and those which donate over 2000 will have two booths and a certificate of their achievement.

Receiving books will be conducted directly through organizing committees. 
SCHS is going to organize the closing ceremony to honor its partners, sponsors and participants.  Commemorative gifts and certificates will be given to schools with the best organization, sales and commitment. 
Ahmed Shaheen Hosni, from Youth Centers, invited educational institutes to contribute and take part in the 5th Used Book Fair for the entertainment activities which will take place on the fair’s main stage in order to amuse and attract visitors.  He confirmed Youth Centers’ desires to cooperate and support this activity. 
Mona Abdel Kareem renewed her invitation to all schools, universities, centers and charities to work hard and volunteer to protect books, spread the habit of reading among the general public and raise funds to support the services SCHS provides to people with disabilities.
Jihad Abdel Qader, Coordinator for the Fifth Used Book Fair taking place on February 26th to March 1st 2013 in the Palm Garden at Lake Khaled in collaboration with Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), believes the fair will raise people’s awareness regarding culture, knowledge and volunteerism. 
The event is an invitation to collect the largest number of new, used, non-school books in order to instill the importance of volunteer efforts by students, parents and professionals. 
A number of objectives hold importance including: promoting the habit of reading through low priced books, planting the spirit of volunteerism in the minds of youth as well as raising funds to support the services and programs which SCHS provides to people with disabilities.
The 5th Used Book Fair will begin on the 26th of February, 2013.  It provides cultural and educational services to the entire community. 


According to the instructions of Her Highness Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Vice President of Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Director General of SCHS, books should be classified according to subject, not according to the institutions or individuals who donated it.  For example, there will be a section for literature, humanities and politics.  This will make it easy for visitors to locate books.  Donators are going to be notified in order to classify books according to this system. 
Jihad encouraged schools, institutions, and charities to contribute to the event.  Books are to be received at SCHS.  There is also the following number 06-5669966 for those who are interested or have the desire to participate or donate books. 
Senior management for the fair has called upon public and private bodies, sponsors and other organizations to support this cultural, social and noble activity.
They’ve also invited individuals to donate books in order to spread knowledge among the largest number of people. 
Mohammad Faouzi, Head of the Private Schools Committee, mentioned his committee has managed to attract 25 private schools and two universities since October, 2012. 
It is working to attract more schools and universities. He mentioned the press conference which SCHS organized on December to explain the main idea and objectives of this fair to over 50 representatives of schools, clubs, universities and other institutes. 
He also invited everyone to contribute to this event.  Mohamed Al-Nabulsi, Head of the Volunteer Committee, said that his committee aims at recruiting volunteers from the age of 14 and above to work at the 5th Used Book Fair. 
There is much work to be done in order to present a positive image of this event.  Volunteers are welcome to work in any division at any time.
Mohamed provided the following number (050-1704250) and e-mail (Nabulsi@sch.org.ae) for those interested or those who maintain the desire to volunteer in this event which endorses the culture of volunteerism in the United Arab Emirates.

If interested in participating, you may also contact me on + 97150 8122319 to know more about this event and how you can volunteer and participate.

This entry was posted in Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, TQM.

Forever through your eyes – Donate your eyes and live forever

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Almost one month ago, it was an impulsive instinct to travel all the way to a distant part of the city to meet one of my close friend. Reaching his home, I realised his mother was not well, but not in a serious state of illness. As we (me and my wife) reached his home, she was sleeping. Talking a while to him, I felt restless, as I had met her a few times before and was feeling her presence and ever smiling interaction with us whenever we visited their home.

I slowly went inside and stood watching her near her bead. She was in a half sleep state. I slowly called her, Amma… suddenly she woke up and looked at me. His son, by now came near us, and asked her in tamil Amma, ithu yaaru theriyuma ( Amma, do you know who he is?). With the most beautiful smile I have ever seen, she said.. Nalla theriyumo… unnude friend.. ithinu munnadiyum inke neraye vaatti vanthirukku, eppadi theriyamal irikkum (I know well… your friend… he has come here several times before.. so how i dont recognise him)…

She was in full joy and spirit and had two or three spoon full of sweet we prepared and brought to her.

We left her home in good spirits and memories…

A month later, back on another unplanned and emergency visit. I got to know as I landed that she is in a serious condition and in ICU and that too surviving with the help of ventilator. I was continuously in touch with him and equally turbulent state of mind, and was determined to complete a pilgrimage already planned to Sabarimala.

Immediately upon my return to Bengaluru from my pilgrimage, I rushed with my wife to the hospital where she was in a critical condition. I had taken the Vibhuti from Sabarimala. For a change, that evening during visitors time , there was no visitors to see her, as she was in already there for some days. We somehow managed to reach the hospital, just 20 minutes before the scheduled close. As we stood near her and observed her, she was already in her final part of the journey from this world, which we never realised. With folding hands and prayers, we prayed for her relief from that painful condition and applied the vibhooti on her forehead and stood near her. As we patted her hand and legs, we felt she realised an affectionate a lifelong presence. We remained there for some more time and left the ICU ward with folding hands and prayers.

After spending some time with my friend, we left to our home. The next day, early morning, we received an sms on our mobile from our friend informing us about the demise of his mother.

Parvathy Rajagopalan (78), wife of Late Rajagopalan, formerly of the INS, Kochi (Ernakulam) mother of Jayashree, Kumar and Nathu (Vaidya Nathan), who passed away in Bangalore on Monday, 22nd October 2012 morning, did not leave this world forever.
This is the reason, I am writing this blog post. She did a great thing as she left this world. She donated her both eyes.
The staff from Narayana Nethralaya came home and collected her eyes well within the stipulated time.
Her mortal remains were taken for cremations, but she lives now in this world, giving vision to two deserving blinds.
I salute her, and her children for the courage and generosity and timely presence of mind to donate her eyes after her death. How many of us will do the same? A point to think about and courageously fix in our mind for action later.
In case you fix on it, here is the link for you to contact:
Eye Donation Form – Narayana Nethralaya
For your ease and information, I post the form below.

With lots of prayers to the peace of her departed soul and keeping that beautiful smile and golden glow of her eyes in our minds, 
We remain,
Ramesh Menon & Family

This entry was posted in TQM.

Give Your Book A New Life – SCHS announces the 5th USED BOOK FAIR – February 26th to March 1st 2013

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Her Highness Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, Director General of SCHS, and Head of Organizing Committee, gave her orders to evaluate the previous circulations of the Used Books Fair, study its advantages and disadvantages to set plans to improve and increase its organization. 
Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammad Al Qasimi confirmed that organizing the book fair corresponds to the cultural approach founded by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah, who believes that books plant noble values and raise awareness and knowledge of people which will have positive implications for the entire society. 
SCHS is preparing to organize the 5th Used Books Fair from February 26th to March 1st 2013. 
In October 2012 the fair’s various committees met twice to discuss, evaluate, and prepare for the event. 
Committees include Preparations Committee chaired by Mr. Jihad Abdel Qader, Attracting Public Schools Committee chaired by Mrs. Mona Abdel Kareem, Attracting Private Schools and Universities Committee chaired by Mr. Mohammad Faouzi, Media Committee chaired by Mr. Osama Mardini, Attracting Charities and Nonprofit Organizations Committee chaired by Mrs. Khadeja Bamakhramah, Secretariat Committee chaired by Mrs. MarymRaisy and Finance Committee chaired by Mr. Ezzat Alonchasa. 
In the two meetings, previous festivals were discussed thoroughly to determine weaknesses and strengths.  Committees will try to improve its weaknesses and enhance strengths according to a questionnaire given to participants to scan their opinions of many aspects such as organization, services, and contributions. 
The Used Books Fair is a project with enormous humanitarian, cultural, and noble values that corresponds to Sharjah’s educational and cultural priorities.  It raises awareness of disability issues in UAE and countries that are nearby.  It endorses the concept of volunteerism in the minds of younth, students, and community members and provides SCHS with a modest income. 
Mr. Jihad Abdel Qader stated the stage of collecting books includes several activities such as a promotional campaign under the theme “Give your Book a New Life” which encourages people to contribute. 
If someone wants to donate their used books, they can call SCHS at 06 5669966 and give their donations.
The campaign aims at collecting – non text book— books of different languages; reminding the community of the connection between the event and SCHS and giving a chance to those who want to support SCHS. As well as telling the general public about SCHS’smission and values. 
The promotional campaign will include the seven Emirates. 
SCHS is a leading institute in organizing such events which promote the habit of reading to increase people’s knowledge and expand their horizons. 
Mr. Osama Mardini believes the Used Books Fair enriches the cultural and social mentality of the general public by spreading the culture of volunteerism through an activity that is based on volunteers from schools, universities, and charities. 
He then mentions the historical background of the fair which began in 2006, than in 2007, after that in 2009, and the last one in 2011.  These four circulations were organized in collaboration with sponsors and SCHS’s partners. 
The 2011 festival was extraordinary.  It had a large number of volunteers, contributing organizations, and attendance.  The number of visitors had reached 40,000, while the books exhibited had reached over 500,000.  Books were displayed in over 120 tents.  The number of volunteers reached 500 mostly students from schools and universities in addition to individuals from charities and non-profit organizations.  The number of participating public schools reached 20, private schools 22, and 2 universities.  The number of charities, nonprofit organizations, and diplomatic missions reached 47.  Sales were 500,000 AED which was used to support the services and programs which SCHS provides to people with disabilities.  Hopes for this year event are high. 

This entry was posted in Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, TQM.

Magic words of Marlon Samuels

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“The career has been up and down,” Samuels admitted. “There have been a lot of tough times. I dealt with them in simple ways and tried to let them pass.

“Being under pressure on a cricket field is nothing compared to what I’ve been through off the field.

“But as my mentor always said to me, everything that happened to me in life is because I am important. I’m not someone that will ever give up. I never say die. 

“The person that I am deep down inside is the reason why I am still here playing cricket. I have a family that believes in me. If outsiders don’t, it doesn’t really matter to me.” 

Marlon Samuels, after winning the 2012 T20 World Cup at Sri Lanka

To read the article in which he has quoted the above, please visit Cricinfo :  Relief for Samuels after ‘a lot of tough times’. Photo Courtesy : Cricinfo.

This entry was posted in Mind Speaks, Sports +, TQM.

Its time to slow down. KBG, Can you do it? Temple elephants are living beings – please be kind to them

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Its time to slow down. KBG, Can you do it? Temple elephants are living beings – please be kind to them

Once again, another temple festival season is due in Kerala. Especially, this is very prominent and predominant at central part of Kerala, specifically, in and around Trichur, Palghat and Ernakulam districts.


This is where we get to see, elephants being transported from one point to another to serve the requirement of temple festivities. This happens, more frequently and at fierce pace, during the March /April/May months, when temple festivals in and around Trichur Districts happens.

It is at this time, that elephants, are transported from far away places by agents to meet requirements of various temples.

Unfortunately, at times, these pachyderms have to silently suffer long journey by truck, who drive really fast to reach from one point to another and then get dressed up to be the focal point and then again move on to another destination.

I humbly request our government, necessary authorities to initiate the following rules:

  •          To make sure, the elephant is loaded to a truck in the best convenient and safest possible way.
  •            To make sure, the elephant is loaded to a truck in the best convenient and safest possible way.
  •          To make sure, the elephant is transported from one place to another in a safe speed, say less than 40 kms per hour.
  •     To make sure, the elephant gets sufficient time to relax before it is decorated and dressed for a long stay for a procession or festivity associated.
  •      To make sure, the elephant gets sufficient time to relax before it is loaded once again to its next destination. 
  •      To make sure, it gets sufficient time to walk and stretch its muscles and body, before it has to travel or stand silently for any festivity. 
  •      To make sure, it gets quality food and water at each of the above point.
  •      Absolutely, do not allow, Flash photography at close proximity where elephants are lined up for festivities. 
  •              Last and most important, to make sure, they get sufficient rest between one programme and the next.    
  •      These activities, should be strictly logged, monitored and controlled by respective Devaswom Officers, Forest and District Collector Level Officers to make sure, they are well taken care and protected.

For your information, am very well sure, the way they are transported from one point to another is the most cruel manner. The speed at which these trucks are driven to reach the next destination, I am sure, even some human being sitting at the carriage space, may not be able to withstand. To add more, if you want to watch and view by yourself, the way they are loaded to a truck, it is really pathetic. God save them and bless them to be silent as ever.


The scenes I witnessed during, just before the last Arattuppuzha pooram was horrendous.  I felt extremely bad for these silent beings and feel it should not be the case in this festive season.

I kindly request honorable Kerala Government and Ministers concerned, both Devaswom and Forest Minister, especially, Sri K B Ganesh Kumar to make a note and issue necessary guidelines to the use and exhibition of tamed / temple elephants in Kerala for festivities.



(photos by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi)

Watch this video, taken out from YouTube, thanks to Teetus P Samu (author of this video):



Imagine you are in its position to climb over to a cabin of an 8 ft heavy load truck!!

Nothing more to say, government and the ministry, and ministers have to act, well before this festival season, so that NO DEATH HAPPENS due to an elephant attack and NO TEMPLE ELEPHANT is treated or over worked during this season.

I sincerely hope all elephant lovers join me too in this campaign.

With due regards,
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

This entry was posted in Community Reports, Community Service, Stop Cruelty against Temple Elephants, TQM, TQM India.