TQM

Beauty of Bu Tinah – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 15.10.2011

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Beauty of Beauty of Bu Tinah – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 15.10.2011

Off the western coastline of Abu Dhabi lies a unique wonder of nature, wild and undisturbed by human activity. The Bu Tinah Island.

It is now one of the 28 official finalists for the New7Wonders of Nature, a campaign where people worldwide can vote and nominate the seven most remarkable, beautiful or otherwise awe-inspiring natural locations and features on our planet.

Bu Tinah is host to critical marine habitats containing internationally important species. Seabirds such as the flamingo and the osprey, diverse species of dolphins and endangered turtles, including hawksbills and greens, are all found in and around Bu Tinah.

The island’s waters are also  home to the planet’s second largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal that is globally threatened.

Bu Tinah Island, rich in biodiversity, lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve. The biosphere reserve is the region’s first and largest Unesco designated marine biosphere reserve. Closed to visitors, fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited on Bu Tinah Island. Its continued survival and protection must be ensured.

A special campaign to vote Bu Tinah as one of the new seven wonders of nature has been initiated by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. You may visit online http://www.vote7.com and use the “vote now” option to choose your seven wonders.

An exhibition with a daily presentation has also been organised by EAD at Abu Dhabi Corniche to intensify the campaign to vote for Bu Tinah. It is informative for children and adults alike. Visitors can vote in the designated kiosks set specially inside a dome-shaped replica of this nature’s treasure. Act fast, only 27 more days to end this campaign. Let us make Bu Tinah one of the seven new wonders.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online

Let us make Bu Tinah one of the seven new wonders.

You may visit online http://www.vote7.com and use the “vote now” option to choose your seven wonders.

“Do not forget to include Bu Tinah”.

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Must Visit Tourist Spots, Clicks and writes, EAD, Exploring Abu Dhabi, Gulf Today, HSE, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, Short Take, TQM, Vote for Bu Tinah.

Road Safety campaign by GULF NEWS – comments

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Road Safety campaign by GULF NEWS – comments

To read and participate in the ongoin road safety campaign by GULF NEWS, please click the link below:
Make it Safe

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Gulf News, HSE, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, TQM.

All for road safety – Letters to the Editor -Khaleej Times Dt. 01.10.2011

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All for road safety – Letters to the Editor -Khaleej Times Dt. 01.10.2011

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online:
All for road safety 

You may also read more about the ongoing road safety campaign by Khaleej Times at:

Speed kills and you could be the killer

Safety First, let that be our motto.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, HSE, Khaleej Times, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, TQM.

Speeding traffic at Kuthiran Sastha Temple Trichur Palghat highway

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Speeding traffic at Kuthiran Sastha Temple Trichur Palghat highway
http://www.yuvog.com/jwplayer/player.swf

The stretch of road in front of the Kuthiran Sastha Temple is the only place where there is no potholes and a bit wider than those leading to this point. Thus this stretch makes it extremely dangerous as Limited Stop buses plying between Trichur and Palghat speed each other to overtake at this point. However, stopping vehicles of devotees, slowing vehicles to throw coins hinder their progress and on two instances I saw near misses. As humps are not allowed on NH roads, for the safety of public, the residents or the panchayat of Kuthiran dig some bigger holes in this particular point so that these buses are forced to slow down. Hope, Police and road transport authorities make a note of this danger, if already not known. As usual, it is better to take a preventive measure rather than to do any after an incident happens. Honourable Ministers of Kerala – Shri Oommen Chandy Adv. V. S. Sivakumar, Shri V.K. Ebrahimkunju Kindly Note and take necessary actions.

തൃശ്ശൂര്‍ പാലക്കാട്‌ ഹൈവെയില്‍ കുതിരാന്‍ കയറ്റത്തില്‍.  ധര്‍മ ശാസ്ത ക്ഷേത്രത്തിനു മുന്നില്‍ മാത്രമാണ് റോഡില്‍ കുണ്ടും കുഴിയും ഇല്ലാത്ത ഏക ഇടം.. ഇവിടെ റോഡിനു വീതി കൂടുതലും ആണ്. ആയതു കൊണ്ട് തന്നെ ഈ റൂട്ടില്‍ ഒട്ടുന്ന ലിമിറ്റഡ് സ്റ്റോപ്പ്‌ പ്രൈവറ്റ് ബസ്സുകള്‍ ഇവിടെ എത്തുമ്പോള്‍, മത്സരിച്ചു കടന്നു പോകാന്‍ ശ്രമിക്കുന്നത് കാണാന്‍ ഇടയുണ്ടായി. ഇവിടെ നിര്‍ത്തി അമ്പലത്തില്‍ തൊഴാന്‍ പോകുന്ന വാഹനങ്ങളും, ഇവിടെ സ്ലോ ചെയ്തു പൈസ ഇടാന്‍ വേണ്ടി വേഗത കുറയ്ക്കുന്ന വാഹനങ്ങളും ഈ മത്സര ഓട്ടത്തിന് ഇവര്‍ക്ക് തടസ്സമാകുന്നു. ഒരു അപകടം ആയതിനാല്‍ ഏതു സമയത്തും ഇവിടെ സംഭവിക്കാം. ഒന്നിലോ നാട്ടുകാര്‍. നാഷണല്‍ ഹൈവെയില്‍ ഹമ്പുകള്‍ സാധാരണയായി പാടില്ലാത്തത് കൊണ്ട് ഈ വളവില്‍ ഒന്നോ രണ്ടോ വലിയ കുഴികള്‍ വെട്ടി ഈ വേഗത കുറക്കാന്‍ ഉള്ള നടപടികള്‍ നാട്ടുകാര്‍ ചെയ്‌താല്‍ നന്നായിരിക്കും. പോലീസും അധികാരികളും ഈ മത്സര ഓട്ടത്തെ നിയന്ത്രിക്കാന്‍ ഉള്ള നടപടികള്‍ എടുക്കുന്നത് വരെ ഇത് മാത്രമേ ഒരു സുരക്ഷാ പോംവഴി കാണുന്നുള്ളൂ.
ബഹുമാനപ്പെട്ട കേരള മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി, പൊതുമരാമത്ത് മന്ത്രി, ഗതാഗത വകുപ്പ് മന്ത്രി, എന്നിവര്‍ ശ്രദ്ധിച്ചു വേണ്ട നടപടികള്‍ എടുക്കുവാന്‍ അഭ്യര്‍ത്ഥിക്കുന്നു.  ഈ ഭാഗത്തെ ഗതാഗതത്തിന്റെ ഒരു വീഡിയോ താഴെ കാണുന്ന ലിങ്കില്‍ ഇട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്. മത്സര ഓട്ടം നേരില്‍ കണ്ട ദൃശ്യങ്ങള്‍ പകര്‍ത്താന്‍ സ്വയം സുരക്ഷ ഉദ്ദേശിച്ചു വിടെഒയില്‍ പകര്‍ത്താന്‍ ഉള്ള ശ്രമം ഉപേക്ഷിച്ചു.
ഈ മത്സര ഓട്ടം പ്രത്യേകിച്ചും കാലത്ത് ഏഴു എട്ടു മണിക്കാണ് കൂടുതല്‍ അപകടകരമായി കണ്ടത്. കാരണം, ചില ബസുകളിലെ കണ്ടക്ടര്‍ ഇവിടെ നാളികേരം ഉടക്കാന്‍ നിര്‍ത്തുകയും (ഏതാനും മിനിട്ടിനുള്ളില്‍ ഇത് നടക്കും – ബസ്‌ സ്പീഡ് കുറയ്ക്കുന്നതും അവര്‍ ഓടി ഇറങ്ങി നാളികേരം ഉടച്ചു തിരിച്ചു കയറും) ആ അവസ്സരം മുതലെടുത്ത്‌ പുറകിലെ ബസ്‌ ഇവരെ മാറി കടക്കും. യാത്രക്കാര്‍ പൈസ ബസ്സില്‍ ഇരുന്നു കൊണ്ട് എറിയുന്നതും അപകടം തന്നെ. കാരണം അതെടുക്കാന്‍ ഒരാള്‍ ഇവിടെ കാന്തം വച്ച വടിയും കൊണ്ട് റോഡില്‍ നടക്കുന്നുണ്ട്. അയാളും ജീവന്‍ പണയം വച്ചുള്ള കളി തന്നെ ആണ് കളിക്കുന്നത്.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Community Reports, Community Service, My videos, TQM.

Asianet TV Munch Star Singer Junior Winner 2011 – who is the real winner?

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Asianet TV Munch Star Singer Junior Winner 2011 –  who is the real winner?

I consider myself as very lucky to have watched the final of Asianet TV Munch Star Singer Junior Winner 2011 yesterday, 14th August 2011, which turned out to be a REALity show in REAL.
What made the final interesting to me and blessed is the speech by Mr. Jagathy Srikumar. He was opportunistic and at his witty and pointed best to hit at several facts and factors involved in the reality show scenario happening these days.
The way he talked may be found unacceptable to many, but facts are facts. Even, the person he attacked on stage openly, the talented Ranjini Haridas, acknowledged herself, “yes I asked for it” at the end of his speech.
But, what made more real in this reality show of its kind making it extremely special was the appeal by the winner Adarsh, to have his father united with his mother, who both living separate currently. The union of both of them were more important for this boy than the 50 lakhs worth of flat he just received!.  Children are precious and those who are involved in such painful parting only will realize the pain involved. His appeal was made such in a way that it left several questions towards children of his status and those who were involved and tried or not to create a similar situation.
It also proved that we should never judge people by appearance as well as never judge or humiliate any contestant by mocking him / her.
Jagathi Srikumar was opportunistic and open to say the real truth. Congratulations to you sir and for talking the facts boldly and openly. Oru aana madham pottan thayyarayittulla oru avastha thankalil avide akshamanaayi irikkumbol kandirunnu. athu ingane aanu pottuka ennu maathram arinjilla. Actually, Jagathy Sirkumar should have been the one to give the winners prize. Jayaram and Jagathi were sitting next to next as if they were not known to each other.
May god bless all the talented artists who participated in the show, who aim for such prizes in the future. Who is the winner here? – Adarsh, other contestants, Jagathy (who took opportunity to vent his feelings), Ranjini Haridas (who took it in a sportive way and carried over – hope she innovate her style and come out with more better presentation techniques)?
Hope Ranjini Haridas now learn it in the right sense and Nazrin do not get carried away learning from her. Whether the speech was required or not required is not the question here? End of the day it was an eye opener to many. It became a real REALITY SHOW, with the appeal from Adarsh to his father to unite. The pain of a child of 16 years even after winning a 50 lakhs worth flat – he is longing for his parental union and love. Blessings and regards to all those contestants – You all are winners.

Ramesh Menon
15.08.2011

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, TQM.

Independence day thoughts and wishes of a non-resident indian

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Dear Friends,
A sincere wish to all of you on this happy day.
While we celebrate Independence Day festivities in our own small way at our community, how much more we can contribute as a community to the society around is the question in my mind.
In my own small way, I have been pursuing two items with interest with various government authorities and append them below here for your reading, information and further support:

Pedestrian overbridge at Kadugodi Railway / Bus Station area
This is an item for all those who use the railway and bus stations. I had noticed it during my visits and Bala Sirs email prompted me to post it with relevance in Praja.in and highlight it to the authorities concerned, including the Councillor and Railway authorities. They are now aware of the situation, but as you may know it is a bigger problems, and several hands have to be united to take it further. South Western Railway have come back saying that crossing the railway track is a trespassing activity, however, including their own staff have to use this option for easy access. Otherwise, they have to take the road bridge and a longer route of almost 2-3 kms to reach the station or the medical / shopping /educational facilities around in our side.
http://praja.in/en/blog/ramesh-menon/2011/07/07/need-pedestrian-overbridge-kadugodi-railway-bus-station-area
If anyone of you concur the need for an over bridge in that area, please do post your comments and words of support, as I have highlighted the above post and link to various authorities, social activists and press, who will take it up further in the coming days. Need your support and helping hands in this.
A Star on the Road Programme
We have been seeing numerous auto stations coming up in our area recently.
In April 2011, during my visit, I developed a medical emergency on the way to KR Puram in an auto and was helped, supported and assisted throughout by the driver, whom I hired from in front of our gate. I met him previous day, and finding his driving and conduct good, I had taken down his number and contact and had called him that morning to go to KR Puram. He was there throughout the time till I became OK, with me and my wife, and till the time other friends came with emergency support. I was impressed with his responsible act and conduct during the time of an emergency.
I took this up with Bangalore City Traffic Police, with whom I had been communicating on various traffic related issues. The thought of identifying and honouring him and similar public servants came up and I suggested to have a programme named “A Star On The Road”. 
In the process we had several communications, verifications going back and forth, considering the main scenario that in Bangalore, an auto can be driven by several persons and if an auto was driven by a good driver and it is given a honour, that same night, it could be driven by someone who is dangerous and can indulge in a dangerous activity. So, discussions on pros and cons of this citation were taking place till this time.

I am happy to inform you all that Bangalore City Police have come back today that they will consider this suggestion and programme further and will consider him and other such drivers, acts for this rewarding programme, which will be launched shortly.  It is also intended to cover several road safety aspects and values. I hope this programme will bring positive vibes into driving habits happening in our city.

The first one to benefit will be the auto guy from our area, whose conduct has been checked and verified by them already.

I believe, I am never away from my community at any point of time.

Due regards to all of you and do spare a few minutes for our community for collective benefits for all of us as individuals and as a society.

Jai Hind.
Ramesh Menon
15.08.2011

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, HSE, Kadugodi Whitefield Pedestrian Overbridge, TQM.

Request for Pedestrian overbridge at Kadugodi Railway / Bus Station area

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Request to Railway authorities to consider a pedestrian over bridge / BMTC to extend the Volvo Buses to the other side of the new Over Bridge / and to provide more electric lighting at Kadugodi Railway Station area.

With the arrival of the over bridge facility at Kadugodi/Whitefield area residents are now facing a new problem. Public travelling from and to Kadugodi bus station are facing insurmountable difficulties. Most of the time, one or two goods trains are parked across the railway gate, fencing the entry gate from Kadugodi end. In addition, digging of drain is restricting people crossing over. To add more there is absolutely no light and complete darkness prevail at night. All these make public to risk their life and property while crossing the railway gate to reach either side.

Problem is greater for women carrying children, old/handicapped/sick people and those carrying luggage.

The Kadugodi Bus station is very convenient to all and majority of the public who uses it live on the other side of the bus station. Everyone will agree that it is impractical for pedestrians to cross over by using the fly over, which has become dangerous even for motorists due to darkness and displaced road dividers.

Could the Railway authorities kindly consider addressing this issue affecting a large population who depend on this route by providing a foot over bridge.

Secondly, could BMTC extend the bus routes, more particularly volvos, to the other side of the railway gate. There are several buildings and residential complexes coming up on this side and both BMTC (by way of added revenue) and public (by safe and convenient transport option) could benefit from this move.

I humbly request the authorities along with the Corporator and Legislator/ MP ofKadugodi area to consider the following items (request) and make this development made available as early as possible.:

Request to Railway authorities to consider a pedestrian over bridge / BMTC to extend the Volvo Buses to the other side of the new Over Bridge / and to provide more electric lighting at Kadugodi Railway Station area.

I hope those who are from Kadugodi area will feel the necessity for an immediate requirement of this and support this request.

Sincere regards,

Ramesh Menon

7 July 2011

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

Suggestion for Abu Dhabi buses – My Letters – THE NATIONAL Dt 06.05.2011

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Suggestion for Abu Dhabi buses – THE NATIONAL Dt 06.05.2011

The Abu Dhabi bus system is becoming more popular among commuters each day and each route that is added. This can be seen and experienced by the heavy rush for buses during morning and evening hours. Commuters find the buses extremely useful and economical.

However, in the city buses, when there is a large crowd, the front to middle half is full of lady passengers. Thus, it makes entry for male passengers inconvenient as they have to get inside through the main door, drop the coin in the box next to the driver and then get down and get inside through the door at the middle.

Could the Abu Dhabi bus authorities come out with a convenient system for passengers to drop their coins at a suitable place near the middle door?

It would make the Abu Dhabi buses more passenger friendly.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

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

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, HSE, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, The National, TQM.

A dangerous game of cricket – My Letters – THE NATIONAL Dt. 03.05.2011

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A dangerous game of cricket – My Letters – THE NATIONAL Dt. 03.05.2011

A dangerous game of cricket
I happened to witness a dangerous act inside the pedestrian underpass opposite the Emax store on Hamdan Street. A group of teenage boys were playing cricket.
This was extremely threatening to the safety of pedestrians in the underpass as well as public property including the tiles, fire safety equipment and electrical fixtures.
Cricket is a game attracting immense attention from youth these days with an abundance of money and fame around for those who excel at the sport. It is no wonder that parents will encourage any child who shows an interest in it. But this game, I learnt, was not a one-off but is played regularly at the underpass and several times near misses have happened with the cricket ball.
When authorities strive to control jaywalking, I am sure that this is one particular area where people will refrain from using the underpass for fear of being hit by a cricket ball.
We all know it is nearly impossible to bring sufficient playground facilities to all localities. However, other empty playing places presenting no harm to persons or property could be easily found by the young players.
They shouldn’t be allowed to play cricket in an underpass meant only for commuting.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

This entry was posted in HSE, Letters to the editor, Opinion 2011, The National, TQM.

A welcome change – Promising actions by Abu Dhabi authorities

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A welcome change – Promising actions by Abu Dhabi authorities

It is always a relief to see when the authorities carries pro-active measures towards suggestion for a better living environment. Here is one such example of a speedier action by Abu Dhabi authorities. Further to my Community Report in Gulf News dated 23rd April, I am happy to blog that both the dangerous spots have been marked clearly giving sufficient warning for pedestrians. What is left is a garbage bin issue, and I believe it will be also handled efficiently soon.

My sincere thanks to GULF NEWS and Abu Dhabi authorities.

Ramesh Menon
29.04.2011

To read my community report of 23.04.2011, please click here or visit GULF NEWS online.

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Community Reports, Community Service, Gulf News, HSE, Letters to the editor, TQM.