TQM

Petrol station employees need shaded areas – The National Dt. 20 August 2014

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Petrol station employees need shaded areas



Driving between Abu Dhabi and Dubai regularly, I have noticed that many petrol stations lack shade in the areas where diesel and special fuels are served. This is a cause for concern as the staff have to work all day under the open sky. I am sure their problems do not end at night, or even during the winter.

I request the fuel company to consider installing shades over all serving points at every fuel station.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

The National, Dt. 20 August 2014

This entry was posted in Community Reports, HSE, Let's Try and do it, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, The National, TQM.

Tragedy of life – Gulf Today – Short Take – Dt. 09 August 2014

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Tragedy of life


Life passes by very quickly. At times many of us undergo a series of unexpected tragedies all at the same time. For a favourite colleague of mine Paulita and her husband Adrian, it was one such time during last year.
A cancer fighter, her condition aggravated and she had to undergo a series of major treatment.
She was recovering and it was at that time the natural tragedy happened and her entire village was destoyed. Along with it 18 of their immediate relatives!
Massive efforts were coordinated by her forgetting her own health condition to rehabilitate those who survived.
Time passed by quickly and it is time for her to go back on leave.
It is at this time she is feeling the magnitude of what happened. With houses yet to complete and essential facilities still not reconstructed, life is not going to be easy for some time.
In a way when we look at things happening in our life, it is true that all good things can be destroyed in a flash but to reconstruct the goodwill it is never easy and requires lot of hard work, determination, dedication and sustained effort.
I take this opportunity to salute all good human beings like Paulita who do selfless efforts forgetting their own personal hardship.
Ramesh Menon

Short Take, Gulf Today 9 August 2014
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online.

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

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.

A smile that conveyed a million thanks

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On behalf of TOTAL, we were extremely happy to inform all that we distributed the “Spirit of Giving” bags to the ladies at Mussaffah camp on Wednesday, 16th July 2014 evening before Iftar.
It would not have been possible for us without the generous support of each one of our colleagues who participated with a human touch.  The team effort displayed in this CSR initiative was exemplary.
We are also grateful to the volunteers who came forward in getting the boxes to Mussaffah and complete the distribution process as smooth as possible.
This event is an important first step of a series of CSR initiatives lined up for the year ahead.
It is part of a sustained effort to convey that using all available opportunities TOTAL is committed to bring out better energy among the staff as well as the community around.
Thanking you and wish you all once again a blessed Ramadan.

This entry was posted in Corporate Social Responsibility, Daily Ramadan thoughts, TQM.

The Beas River Tragedy – and lessons to learn

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My heart bleeds for the students who perished in the Beas river tragedy. It is great loss which could have been avoided if the authorities were vigilant. My prayers goes to the friends and family of the bereaved.
This tragedy brings into open the importance of imparting sufficient awareness on HSE matters, especially on Safety. As usual, the local authorities are trying to escape with regular excuses. However, I wish the students, were aware to and alert and reacted to the warning signs, they might have escaped from this disaster.
It is a warning sign to the academicans around the world to incorporate and give more emphasise on HSE as an important subject of curriculum from the school days.

photo courtesy : http://www.ndtv.com

This entry was posted in HSE, TQM.

UAE culture must be respected – Letters to the editor – The National

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UAE culture must be respected
Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque the other day, I witnessed something embarrassing. It is good that the authorities show leniency towards visitors, so as to make their stay as comfortable as possible. That includes relaxation of the dress code.
However, such gestures should never be taken for granted, especially while visiting a religious place.
Unfortunately, that’s what happened when a bus full of scantily dressed tourists arrived at the mosque. Of course, they had to cover once they were in the queue to get in. But they definitely raised a few eyebrows.
I believe it’s the duty of everyone to show respect towards the culture of this country. How to convey this message to tourists is a matter of discussion. Should it start from the point of immigration, or is it the responsibility of the host, such as hotels where they stay, and tour operators?

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online.

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Must Visit Tourist Spots, Letters to the editor, Mind Speaks, Opinion 2014, The National, TQM, UAE, UAE Must Visit Destinations.

Remembering the volcano fountain

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Remembering Abu Dhabi’s Volcano Fountain: If you are a long timer of UAE and if you cherish fond memories of the Volcano fountain, which was there in Abu Dhabi till 2004, please express your nostalgic memories as comments here. Your comments are valuable for a project on Volcano Fountain. Thanks in advance for sharing with your friends and family.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/xvJg1aWNy44&source=uds

Comments received at FB: 
Rupa Wahi lot of memories attached to this fountain during 90’s wish this landmark of Abu Dhabi should have stayed….
27 April at 22:58 • Like • 1
Manvi Gupta When I first came to Abu Dhabi, newly married, young girl……..a little nervous, a lot excited…….my first night here…..my husband walked me down to this wonderful place called volcano fountain next to sea! With a light breeze blowing….and him next to me…….i felt the world belonged to me now! That place, that night, that moment and that feeling is forever etched in my heart! And so Volcano Fountain holds a very special place for me!
16 hours ago • Like
Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes It is genius, true we miss the famous Volcano Fountain of Abu Dhabi demolished in 2004, I really regret since 35 year ago nothing is left to remember symbolic monument
I am really touched by your idea
Bravo Ramesh
Céline ABDO
about an hour ago • Like
Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes you made me close eyes and see the place
u made me travel with my brain to remember a place that i didnt see before … TRUE I SWEAR. AmaZZZzing place and video as well,, BRAVO ! I wish I could take my baby as well from corniche hospital directly to this place : ) , your Speech was like a nice story I can tell it to my daughter about our lovely Abu Dhabi ‘The City of Peace and Affection’’ . I always say that Abu Dhabi is a never-ending love story for each one.
Houda BOUSLIMI
about an hour ago • Like
Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes The Volcano was definitely the landmark of Abu Dhabi, it was a throbbing heart with all the fire-like lighting coming from it.
I remember during the first week of my arrival in Abu Dhabi, my relatives took me to the Corniche and precisely to the volcano fountain. This simple visit made me feel more at home and confident about coming all the way to live in an unknown place.
I was truly touched and impressed by the huge monument and its changing of colours. It was very similar to a true volcano, only that this one was harmless and soothing to the nerves.
Year after year, I got used to my new life in Abu Dhabi, it became my turn to take my guests and visitors to the volcano fountain so that they can rejoice their heart and senses.
Walking up the stairs on the volcano fountain, was an excellent exercise to old and young people, it was a family’s place, good for walking as well as sitting, while you can inhale the sea-breeze.
There was a good distance from the road, so noise and air pollution was reduced in the volcano area.
Najet MOSBAH
about an hour ago • Like
Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes I can say that this land mark represented for new the vision of HH. Late Shaikh zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to see our nation as high as the mountain , flourishing it’s water( generosity ) the nearby and far people. More importantly it resembles the strength and unity of our house and it’s deep roots from the desert where the castle resemblance came from.
Sultan Al Hajji
about an hour ago • Like
Narendra Kulkarni I also remember this icon. I used to stay very close-by on Khalifa street and it is used to be routine for me to visit Volcano fountain from time time.

Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi – Clicks and Writes
Dear Friends, Please taken 3-5 minutes, watch the video and write to me a short comment which expresses your nostalgic feelings about the once famous Volcano Fountain of Abu Dhabi, and which was demolished in 2004. I am sure, you have many.
Your comments are important, because, I have a talk on 7th May and a workshop on 10th May on this subject, and will be useful to include it in my presentation.
Thanks a million in advance,

Ramesh Menon



This entry was posted in About Me, Abu Dhabi - Must Visit Tourist Spots, Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, TQM, Volcano Fountain.

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.

Photography Opportunity – "Our Story of the Date Palms"

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Photography Opportunity – “Our Story of the Date Palms”

Have you ever watched the Palm trees flowering process. If not, watch them from now on. The trees have started flowering.

Normally, the process happen after the 2nd quarter of every year. But the last year, weather and nature was not kind enough and as a result, the palm trees did not flower during that time and now only they are flowering. These two important factors, Weather and Nature, always influence photography.

Now, they are in favour blessing the UAE weather and it’s natural vegetation.

It is time for you to take out your camera, identify a palm tree of your choice, photograph it every week, as it flowers, and the flower grow and become a full fledged date fruit and then it ripes and then it is harvested. You may get almost 12 – 16 weeks to see the process. Enjoy clicking as much as you can, post them here. 

Do not finish it there, do write your experiences, as you click the process, the life that happens, during the time, interesting period, as winter give way to summer and all the related events happens. Best wishes, Each one of you can submit as many photos as you can, but per week only one best click of you will be selected and then end of the project, 16 best clicks as a collage.

It will be a good observation cum photography experience if you track it and great team activity with your friends and family.

You may click them from wherever you are in the UAE. Opt to choose the growth sequence in one or two selected trees.

A display of this wonderful natural event and the result of your efforts submitted to Passionate Photographers group on Facebook is planned in mid 2014 when this seasonal cycle gets completed with the dates ripe, mature and fall down announcing the arrival of Christmas and another year end.

For parents with children and schools interested or not interested in Photography, this will be a very good exercise to have them observe the nature, the seasonal changes and to observe and realise how nature announces the arrival of the seasons in its own way. Since it is spread out during a period of four months, it will be also a test to find out how patient you are towards your short term and long term objectives.

Thus, to create an interactive interest among parents/children/teachers, photos of participating children below age 16 will be separately displayed and appreciated.

At the end of the project, those children who are participating in this event are welcome to write a short story – not less than 300 words – on their experience of capturing the season that passed by while photographing for this event.

A maximum of 16 photos, i.e. 1 photo per week for the next 4 months on the subject. 16 photos selected by each member / each month, ie March, April, May, Jun, clicks could be submitted. All photos will be exhibited digitally and best ones will find its way into an exhibition scheduled during a special occasion. 

Photos taken using Mobile Phones also can also be submitted.

Time Frame for clicking : 4th March 2014 – 4th July 2014.

Please post your clicks marked for this event on to the special event created at Passionate Photographers group and also email the soft copy of it to team1dubai@gmail.com with the subject line:
 Photo Competition – “Our Story of the Date Palms” 

Please note to observe the time and date you click along with the GPS location of your object, for jury to identify it before the exhibition.

Original high resolution files will be required to be submitted at a later stage with full information of the photo and photographer.

Files should not be modified or altered with.

Please share it with your friends and family who may be interested.

Please do not hesitate to contact me in case you have any further clarifications.

 To view the event page on Facebook, please visit Passionate Photographers group on Facebook.

For any further queries, please contact – Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi on Phone 050 8122319

Welcome to participate and Best wishes in advance.

This entry was posted in Date Palms, Our Story of the Date Palms, Passionate Photographers, TQM, UAE.

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.