A quite Friday morning - WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks

WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi city view from Abu Dhabi Mall. It is extremely beautiful to view the city from the height of Abu Dhab Mall Business Towers. One gets to watch the busy life as it happens. However, in this picture, you will see the silence of the city on a Friday morning. It is more, especially being holiday season and most of the expats are on leave abroad or out of Abu Dhabi with friends and family.

Have a great evening,

Ramesh Menon
30.12.2011

WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks - It's time to warm up

WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

It's time to warm up. Being an enthusiast of percussion instruments and playing them whenever I get an opportunity, I have a few different types of taditional Indian Ghanjira's. As they are made of animal skin, they have to be made warm before playing to get the right notes and sound modulations. It was for the first time, I am seeing an electric heater being used to tune a similar set of percussion instruments (Tambourines)  by a local arabic performers before their performance at Abu Dhabi mall.

Have a great day,

Ramesh Menon
29.12.2011

WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks - bright and beautiful

WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

A shop selling antique items and lights at Abu Dhabi Mall. Display was bright and beautiful.

Enjoy viewing and have a great day.

Ramesh Menon

28.12.2011

WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks - Cadillac SRX

WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

A Cadillac SRX 4x4 on display at Abu Dhabi Mall, waiting for a Year end promotion winner.

Have a great day.

Ramesh Menon

Tuesday, 27.12.2011

HSE - Small steps go a long way

WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks

WysiWyc - What you see is What you click - daily passionate clicks by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

A foggy start to this new series, WysiWyc - What you see is What you click. Enjoy viewing my passionate clicks. Appreciate your comments.

However the authorities try, it is difficult to stop jay walking. There should be a sense of self responsibility for maintaining an accident free society. Especially, road accident free. Efforts are in by all, some distance covered, but more to cover.

26.12.2011

Chances to serve in different ways



This is the photo of a foreign Sanyasini, who has devoted her life to do seva at Sai Ashram at Vrindavan, opposite to my apartment complex. Apart from doing voluntary service, she sits on the pavement every evening to do biksha to collect some money to meet her day to day living needs. If one gives or try to give a large sum, she normally refuses and takes coins only as her needs are limited.

We were looking for distributing our beloved Ammas dresses to someone needy. And just the other day, this sanyasinis whole dress materials and bags were stolen and she was asking for help with those around. Our contact, the vendors in front of the ashram informed us about this sad and cruel incident, and what to say, a very relevant opportunity to be at service for her.

My loving wife have contacted her and done all the assistance she needs at this moment of desperation and urgency, in terms of dress and other needs.

God, you are ominipresent, and we are at your service.... You know, we are ready, ever ready, and line up opportunities one after another, and my mind says, there is one big event waiting for to happen..... More about it later.

Regards and Pranams,

Ramesh Menon

23.12.2011

e Nidhi SREE Nidhi - Christmas and New Year Gifts getting ready for children

e Nidhi SREE Nidhi - Christmas and New Year Gifts getting ready for children

It's Friday, and time to open the cloth packets I received from my friends and colleagues to be gifted to the children of e Nidhi SREE Nidhi Programme. I am thrilled, excellent materials; some of them included even brand new clothes and intellectual toys too for complementing my efforts. Tears rolled when I saw those new ones. A friend has offered as many ream of new clothes for their uniforms. God, you have been merciful and kind to support our thoughts and initiatives. My duty is simple now, to iron them once more, roll them neatly and include them in the large box.

Some more gift parcels, including toys are awaited during the coming days. Two more efforts are underway for them and as and when it is achieved, I will share it with you all.

Repeat my call, if you have any good quality, used clothes for children aged 4 to 18 years, white dresses for BOYS, do share them with me quickly so that I can include your gift in my New Year parcel for those blessed children. If you have good quality drawing books, pencils, and tools for crafts, please include them too. There are some talented children in them who may love receiving them.

True regards,

Ramesh Menon
23.12.2011

if interested to participate, please contact me by email: team1dubai@gmail.com or
Ph 050 8122319

Story across the Window

Many of us have read several times an email about a patient narrating a storing from a hospital bed. It was one of the most popular email forwards with a proving thought.

The one I am writing is from my real life experience.  The window you see is from a twin sharing ICU support room situated in one of the leading cancer hospitals in Bangalore. My mother in law was in the last stage of her life and was admitted to this room. We were in the first bed which was next to the entrance and there was another bed, which was close to the window outside.

During the last week of her life in this world, she was here. As by standers, me and my wife was also there with her. She was conscious and in the adjacent bed, patients came and went. Most of them returned back to their home from there.

During the course of the day, we made friendship with them, their relatives as we discussed each others conditions. Amma was in conscious state and was able to see people coming and going. All Cancer Patients in various conditions.

On the 2^nd day, there came a new patient, a Lt Colonel’s wife, and a Doctor by Profession. Her husband Lt Colonel Ray was with her and working abroad. He was a short tempered man, but witty at times with us and with his wife, giving her courage. His temperament, made her scary at many times as he interacted with the hospital staff. However, he was very nice.

Talking to him as we introduced we became very close, and discussing further our roots, we realized, we have some common friends. My school mate Sarath’s father Dr. Sudhakaran was a friend of him when he was serving with the Navy at Cochin Naval base.  After all, this world is really small.

Mrs. Ray talked to us very closely and openly whenever he was not with her. She talked a lot to our Amma. On the second day of her arrival, amma was still keeping conscious self, although her conditions were becoming severe. A sweet girl from the Yoga and meditation division of the hospital came to Mrs. Ray and was giving her a discourse of Vedas and meditation. She was narrating her several incidents from our epics to give courage and boost her morale to fight the disease, along with some simple techniques. Me and amma were overhearing it from the other side of the room. After the little girl left, she expressed a desire to my wife, I too wanted to do this course, when I recover.

That afternoon Mrs Ray was discharged after her course of treatment was finished. It rained heavily, and we were alone in the room. Amma was sad, why all others coming and going and she was still there.

I thought may be next day, I will ask the doctor to change her to the bed near to the window, so that she will also recover and be able to come back home. But, it never happened, or I never got a chance to speak about it even.

Evening came, and as we listened to the sound of rain from our side of the room, our Amma was recapitulating the stories she listened overhearing from the other side with me. Again, she expressed a desire to learn from that girl the art of meditation technique that she explained. I promised her, I will call her the next day, for our Amma.

Unfortunately, all stories in this world do not have a happy ending. This one too.

Although, I went and booked her for coming to our room to teach our amma yoga and relaxation technique, that afternoon, she developed serious complications related to her disease. Slowly she fell into an unconscious state.... The TV programme that evening being showed was one on learning Hanuman Chalissa, and as it was aired, I felt her tapping her hand slowly and rhythmically for the first time in her life, to the rhythamic chants and narrations and explanations going on. Soon, she had to be shifted to the ICU and then to be put on ventilator as she never regained her conscious self..... Was it a farewell programme to divine world....
For so many things we do not have any answer in this world.. This is one such thing.

She never returned from there, although till the last moment of her conscious self, she was confident, she will come back safe and be with us for a long time. Her hands held close and tight mine as I stood near to her....... 

She will be there and here, forever and ever.

I am sorry Amma, it was probably one wish of yours that I couldn't fulfill and of course my Aviyal..... Happy New Year Amma........... I am sorry, I am helpless to control my tears............



Rituals at Srirangapatna

Rituals at Sreerangapattanam

Srirangapatna (also spelt as Srirangapattana) is a small town in Mandya district of Karnataka, 19 kms away from Mysore. The entire town is surrounded by river Kaveri.

The Paschima Vaahini section of the Kaveri at Srirangapattana is considered especially sacred. People come from far and wide to immerse the ashes of the departed and perform obsequies to their ancestors in these waters.

Ammas ashes were immersed in this river.

There were many others who came to do the same. It was rainy season and the water thus was clean and good flow and whirlpools were there in plenty.

.

Pithrutharppanam at Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple

It was our first visit to this famous temple, Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda Temple.

Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, near Ponnani in Malappuram district is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha.

Thirunavaya was once the capital of Perumpadapu Swaroopam. It is indeed the cradle of culture in northern Kerala. Holding immense historical importance, this is the place where 'Mamangam', a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held once every 12 years, in olden times. This extravagant festival was held for the last time in 1755 AD.

The famous and ancient Thirunavaya Temple, known throughout the country as an ancient teaching-centre of the Vedas, was once plundered and destroyed by Tipu Sultan's army. It was the Zamorin who repaired the temple later.

Thirunavaya is considered equivalent to Varanasi because of the presence of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma temples.

(Reference source : http://www.vaikhari.org/thirunavaya.html)

It is said to be very auspicious to do the religious rituals at the banks of this famous temple to departed souls within and after the stipulated ceremonial days associated with death of our relatives. Therefore, it was our wish to be here on the 12^th day of our ammas demise.

The temple is very well organised and the priests or acharyas for doing these detailed pooja and kriyas  are fully devoted and never showed any sign of greed for money, normally associated with those doing services for such rituals.

We were recommended to meet Sri Unnikrishnan Elayath (Mobile : 00 91 9249259226) who is one of the senior most amongst them. Kriyas are done in three batches, starting as early as 5:00 am. The second batch start at 7:00 am and then the third at 09:00 am. It takes normally one and half hour to complete the full set of rituals. He does it in such a way that those who are doing the rituals really feels the presence of their close ones who left them from this world.

It should be noted to carry a coin along with you when going to perform the rituals as there are procedures to place the coin and then offer prayers. For those who do not carry them, he himself gives the coin. It is advisable to offer a nominal dakshina after the rituals and prayers associated. However, he never insists on it, and saw many leaving immediately without offering any dakshina or namaskaram to the priest.

It was really satisfying to see at least one more place of religious importance where greed for money did not rule over the rituals and sanctity associated.

An example of excellent hygiene - Public Toilets for Abu Dhabi Science Fair at Abu Dhabi Corniche

An example of excellent hygiene - Public Toilets for Abu Dhabi Science Fair at Abu Dhabi Corniche

Progress report - week 3 - Computer Coaching Class to children at SAI ASHRAYADHAM, Kadugodi, Whitefield, Bengaluru

Progress report - week 3 - Computer Coaching Class to children at SAI ASHRAYADHAM, Kadugodi, Whitefield, Bengaluru

If you ask me, what is the most happiest thing happening, it is our visit to this small unit each week, or whenever I am there. The children are so happy to learn Computer, Mathematics and English. The glow on their innocent face, when they see us, it's difficult to express in words. One has to experience.

Week 3, we had three new additional tutors and volunteers - Mahesh Nair, Mr. Srivastava and their little son.... Mr. Srivastava assisted us in cleaning up the computer hard disks, whereas Mahesh assisted in giving lessons. But, the most important member our little master Srivastava was the one who gave life to the entire afternoon.

The children were very happy to see him and straightaway brought a cricket bat and ball and they started playing. It was a divine experience.

Om Sai Ram.

Photo Speaks - a trunk view

A click of inside of the famous Urakam Ammathiruvadi temple, Thrissur, Kerala.

Ayyappan Pattu and Kettu Nira

Ayyappan Pattu and Kettu Nira

ThruKarthika Festival at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple - 09 December 2011

ThruKarthika Festival at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple - 09 December 2011

After several years (probaby more than 25), I got a chance to be at Urakam Ammathiruvadi temple to be with her on her birthday, and see the ezhunellippu in the morning. Enjoy a few minutes of melam by Cherusseri Kuttan Marar.

Road Traffic Safety poster - Be Alert

Traffic Safety posters - prepared for JOY - a volunteer organisation based in Bangalore to promote Traffic Safety in co-ordination with Bangalore Traffic Police.

Road Traffic Safety poster - Wear Helmet

Traffic Safety posters - prepared for JOY - a volunteer organisation based in Bangalore to promote Traffic Safety in co-ordination with Bangalore Traffic Police.

Road Traffic Safety poster - Don't Call While They Drive

Traffic Safety posters - prepared for JOY - a volunteer organisation based in Bangalore to promote Traffic Safety in co-ordination with Bangalore Traffic Police.

1st day of Computer Coaching Class to children at SAI ASHRAYADHAM, Kadugodi, Whitefield, Bengaluru

Dear Friends,

Om Sai Ram.

With the grace and blessing of all Gurus and Gods, we were able to launch the computer coaching class for children at Sai Ashrayadham, Kadugodi, Bengaluru.

Initial plans were to start with computer basic skills and more children were interested and participated in it on their on will.

 I append below an UNEDITED version of email from my wife Rajashree on the 1st day of this project:

"We left at 1:45 pm. Before leaving, I prayed a lot to BABA and our amma to guide and bless me to teach these children in the best possible way.Went along with Mrs.Pragya and mon for the class. 

The children were happy to see us. Initially all the elder boys aged above 12 years joined. But later i saw so many other younger enthusiasts eagerly peeping through the window. Then I allowed them also to join. They were simply thrilled.

They were so happy to learn. They showed so much interest  . They have very good grasping power also.

When I asked them simple questions like the full form of CPU, they just shot back with the correct answer. Then I explained to them the significance of CPU
 
Today being the first class, we took around the whole system.  All of them sat throughout the class keenly listening to whatever we were teaching them.Some of them have drawn some pictures in their books. I shall email you those drawings also.

It was a nice experience spending so much time with these children. WE HAVE A LOT TO LEARN FROM THEM WHEN WE CRIB ABOUT SMALL SMALL PROBLEMS.

THEY ARE ALWAYS SMILING THROUGH THE PAIN AND SO GOD FEARING.

Monu also enjoyed seeing them show so much interest in learning computer.

When we left, they asked us - 'Aunty neenu saturday bharthiya'.  We told them we will surely come.

Mon has taken some photos of the class sessions. Shall email you""

and now the photos:

It did not end there, the children were keen to show interest in learning English, and Mathematics, for which assistance will be provided during the class timings. Medium of instruction for children will be English and they are requested to speak in English and they will in turn teach the guides basic Kannada. Mathematics support will be given by Suraj (of course, he has to share all the mathematical skills his grandma affectionately showered on him throughout). Computing skills be extended by Rajashree and Pragya.

Thanks to all the three of you for this great FIRST STEP.

And you, know the children are indeed a talented and blessed bunch. See the drawings they shared with my wife, Pragya and Suraj:

To tell you, I knew they were a group of children and a power house of  talents, when I listened 24 of them singing bhajans before the Annadhanam, on 19th November 2011. The vibration I received was just the same that one gets in the bhajan hall of Puttaparthi with more than 20 or 30 thousands of devotees singing with one voice and devotion... What they need is a Tabala or dolak.. Everything will come, with our gurus blessings.

Sincere thanks to Mrs. Pragya for coming forward to extend a helping hand to this noble project and to my loving wife Rajashree and son Suraj.

Anyone interested to give us a helping hand may contact us on the details mentioned e Nidhi SREE NIDHI  . 

Contact details:

Mr. A P N Sharma – Ph 09845024039

Mr. Vaidyanathan – Ph. 09880109400

Those who are interested to participate kindly revert either by email (team1dubai@gmail.com).

Venue: Every Saturday between 2 pm and 4 pm at Sai Ashrayadham, Near Belthur Bus Stop, Kadugodi Post, Bangalore 560067.Ph 09845024039 (Shri A P N Sharma).

The joyous feeling of this first day is unexplainable.

Ramesh Menon

26 Nov 2011

Opportunity to participate in an education initiative

Dear Friends,

Om Sai Ram.

Continuing our efforts with the dream project, “e Nidhi SREE Nidhi”,  we have come across an opportunity to educate basic computing skills to children at SAI ASHRAYADHAM, which is close to our apartment complex.

The idea is to impart knowledge and training for the children there to operate computer, learn the basics, and develop their interest so that they can operate computer terminals and kiosks enabling them to look for a first hand opportunity at malls and organization at data entry personnel, or console operators.

We have met and discussed Shri. A P N Sharma, who is the Founder Trustee of the SAI ASHRAYADHAM and have come out with a plan to conduct these classes on every Saturday between 2 PM and 4 PM.

Our wish is to start this humble initiative from this Saturday, 26^th November 2011 in line with the ongoing birthday celebration activities happening around.

If any of you are interested to participate in this seva, as volunteer tutor on regular basis or stand in / replacement tutor in case of emergency/non-availability, kindly contact me or my wife or the following:

Mr. A P N Sharma – Ph 09845024039

Mr. Vaidyanathan – Ph. 09880109400

Those who are interested to participate kindly revert either by email (team1dubai@gmail.com).

Venue: Every Saturday between 2 pm and 4 pm at Sai Ashrayadham, Near Belthur Bus Stop, Kadugodi Post, Bangalore 560067.Ph 09845024039 (Shri A P N Sharma).

Sincere regards,

Ramesh Menon

p.s.: We are also looking for someone with Computer hardware skills to rectify some PCs and install software.

This Crossing is waiting for a tragedy - wish the railway / authorities open their eyes before it is too late

This Crossing is waiting for a tragedy - wish the railway / authorities open their eyes before it is too late

(in picture showing a lady carrying provisions trying to find her way between stopped goods train at Whitefield railway crossing, Bangalore)

I have written here earlier too about the need for a pedestrian overbridge at the Whitefield railway crossing. It is labelled clearly by the railway authorities that "Trespassing is prohibited". But it looks like there ends there (Railway's) responsibility. When they built the flyover and closed this railway gate permanently, they never thought options for the public to:

- reach the railway station from the bus station side conveniently - other than to go over the 1 kms approximately lengthy bridge and come down and then reach across

- to install necessary street light for public

- to consider the huge number of public who rely that route mainly to reach the bus station, railway station from both sides and the ashram and market and shopping area and residential area situated on one side of the gate.

- never ever thought about the elderly or rather even young who has to go across two or even three waiting trains, which can move any time when the pass underneath them

- or even never ever thought about the public who has to go past the railway track which is often made filthy by the excretory output from the passing train

The sad thing is that this case is made aware to the legislator, railway authorities, electricity board, bus terminal authorities and even police. It looks like someone somewhere is competing with the other as to who will make the first step to solve this issue.

The day is not too far, when we will get to hear a tragedy of someone getting run over by a starting train, which has stopped when they tried to move down under.

I really pity everyone for this plight, especially the elders and sick, when even young find it difficult to cross over.

Hope this post and the photo and the video in the attached link (as I cannot post videos here) open the eyes of general public who uses this route and the authorities to find immediate solution to resolve this issue and build a flyover to have safe journey across, and install necesary and sufficient lighting on both sides.

I tried my best efforts to alert all concerned about this danger several times, and look forward to added assistance from Praja members and general public to resolve this.
 

Need for " A Will"

Need for " A Will"

The October 2011 editiorial of KNSS (Karnataka Nair Services Society) News Bulletin came out with an important topic - " A Will". As a person who interact with many during emergency situation, I have noticed several times families left stranded with no guidelines as to assets and liabilities of their heads or bread earners. The topic detailed is therefore very important.

In addition, I have also noticed that many of us do not carry valid contact numbers to reach near and dear ones in case of an emergency. There is a need for such a document carried along with valid contact details, blood group and other relevant instructions such as health conditions (allergy/operations carried out etc), which will help assist emergency assistance.

Thanks to KNSS editorial team for coming out with a very useful topic.



Advance Q-Placement at Sabarimala

By booking this, you are not assured with Darshan at Sabarimala. However this entitles you to join the queue at "Nadapanthal".  After verifying your credentials you will be put through the queue for darshan eventually along with those who are waiting in the queue.  This is a free service offered by Kerala Police for the purpose of crowd management at Sabarimala. You are not required to make any payment in this connection.

Disclaimer : Kerala Police will not be responsible for any inconvenience, difficulty or loss of time caused due to reasons beyond our control.  Kerala Police do not take responsibility for providing darshan at Sabarimala or for any other deficiency in service at Sabarimala.
Important

• This facility is provided by Kerala Police as a part of Crowd Management which in turn saves precious time of the Pilgrims.
• The print out generated after registration (Q-Coupon) and Identity Card used for registration must be brought while coming for Darshan.
• The print out (Q-Coupon) and ID card are to be produced for verification by Police officials.
• Children aged below 15 do not require identity card but photograph is essential.
• The scanned passport size photograph must be in jpg / jpeg and size below 30 KB.
• Females aged between 10 to 50 are not allowed to perform pilgrimage at Sabarimala.
• Ensure that JavaScript and cookies of the browser should be enabled before booking.
• Mozilla fire fox and chrome browsers are recommended.
• Disable Pop-Up Blocker of the browser.

Important Instructions to be followed in Queue Placement Coupon Booking.

• This facility is limited, to devotees who are coming to Sabarimala with Irumudikettu.
  • If the web page is idle for more than 3 minutes the link will get disconnected.
  • Before you start to register, please ensure that all the items mentioned below are available in your hand.

  1) Identity Card.
  2) Scanned passport size photo having size less than 30 KB in JPG or JPEG format

  • Do not use Refresh and Back button of the browser it will generate error.

http://sabarimala.keralapolice.gov.in/en/q-coupon.html

Vijaylekshmy Menon - 07.11.1945 - 03.11.2011

With profound sadness, I write to you today (3rd November 2011) the demise of my mother in law Mrs Vijayalekshmy Menon, at HCG Hospital, Bangalore at 8:50 pm. A Kerala state Badminton player and as a person with definite objectives in life and will power to fight, she really fought her final battle with cancer, aggressively than anyone and left me and my family with lots of memories for the future without her.

She worked as a teacher of mathematics at St George School Delhi, St Thomas School Bangalore and later as Librarian at  Our Own English High School Abu Dhabi.

Mrs Vijayalekshmy Menon is survived by her only daughter Rajashree, grandson Suraj and brothers Joy, Santhan, Sethu and Venu.

Her husand Late MRK Menon and son Late Rajeev Menon passed away some years ago.

Cremation will be conducted as per Hindu rites at Kalpally electric crematorium, Bangalore on 4th November 2011 at 11:00 am.

Being with her during the entire period of her final week in this earth and especially the last 3 days, I really felt the campaigners for Breast Cancer should change it's iconic color from Pink to Red Color and also doubt whether these campaigns on Breast Cancer Care and Awareness really reaching to the audience and purpose intended.

Ramesh

03.11.2011

My daily presentation at Fine Art America

Phone-in dangers - Gulf News Dt. 27.10.2011

Phone-in dangers

Radio stations in the UAE can play an important role in educating traffic safety to road users. After listening to various radio channels in the past few days I suggest an increased voluntary participation by radio jockeys from all prominent radio stations to talk about the importance of not using mobile phones while driving — or using it diligently with appropriate hands-free equipment. Radio stations should implement a check to not entertain a caller if he or she is not using such equipment while participating in phone-in programmes. Can the radio stations, which are doing a wonderful job in passing out useful information and entertainment to listeners, include this in their daily agenda? Could the authorities also ensure that an appropriate guideline is issued to radio stations on this subject?

From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, visit GULF NEWS online.

Bu Tinah - Visit the Bu Tinah Experience Today

Get to know Bu Tinah Island - Gulf News Community Report Dt 25.10.2011

Get to know Bu Tinah Island - Gulf News Community Report Dt 25.10.2011

You can vote it one of the new seven wonders of nature

• By Ramesh Menon, Gulf News Reader
• Published: 00:00 October 25, 2011

Off the coastline of Abu Dhabi lies a unique wonder of Nature, wild and undisturbed by human activity, Bu Tinah Island. Not many people in the UAE are familiar with this natural treasure. It is now one of the 28 official finalists for the New7Wonders of Nature, a worldwide campaign where people can nominate and vote for the seven most remarkable, awe-inspiring natural locations and features on our planet.

Bu Tinah is host to critical marine habitats. Seabirds, such as the flamingo and osprey, diverse species of dolphins and critically endangered turtles like the hawksbill, can all be found in and around the island.

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

It is rich in biodiversity and lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, the region's first and largest Unesco-designated marine biosphere reserve. Fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited on the island, which is closed to visitors, to ensure its continued survival and protection.

A special campaign to make Bu Tinah one of the new seven wonders of nature has been initiated by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD). People may visit www.vote7.com and use the "vote now" option to choose their seven wonders.

They have also organised an exhibition, which is held daily at the Abu Dhabi Corniche to create awareness about the campaign.

It is extremely interesting and informative for children and adults alike. Visitors can also vote in designated kiosks set up inside a dome-shaped replica of this natural wonder.

— The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit Gulf News online.

You may also visit my blog link Vote for Bu Tinah to read more about it in different languages and see interesting videos.

Closer Cooperation with the Local Community at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services’ Al Dhaid Branch

Closer Cooperation with the Local Community at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services’ Al Dhaid Branch

On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, a delegation comprised of His Excellency Colonel Ali Saif Alndas, Director of Al Dhaid Police Department, His Excellency Misbah Aajeed Ketbi, Chairman of Maliha Cultural & Sport Club and a Member of the Federal National Council—UAE, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Saif, Mayor of Maliha, His Excellency Misbah Saif Ketbi, Director of Maliha Municipal, His Excellency Rashid Mahaan, Chairman of Parents of Students in the Central Region Senate at Al Dhaid, His Excellency Saeed bin Laith Tunaiji, Member of the Parents of the Students Senate, and 9 of the parents of students at Al Dhaid Branch visited Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, in order to increase communication and cooperation with the activities of the local community in Sharjah. 

During the visit, a brief introduction about the services provided at the Al Dhaid branch was conducted. Visitors then discussed their expectations for this meeting.  They were provided with a tour of SCHS.  At the conclusion of the visit, delegation members expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the invitation and admiration of the efforts of the administrative staff and technical support team in providing the best services for children with disabilities.  They expressed their willingness to cooperate with the objectives set by the branch to increase the level of coordination with local institutions and activities taking place in the community.

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum: Knights of Determination Honor Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum: Knights of Determination Honor Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services

On Wednesday, October 19, 2011, His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum launched the official website of the Disabled Persons Federation at the Dubai Club for Special Sports, declaring the kickoff season to be in 2011-2012.  This came during the grand celebration held by the Board of Directors of the  Disabled Persons' Federation to begin the new season and honor its successful partners.  The ceremony was attended by Prince Hans, District Chief of Ictn Stein, located between Switzerland and Austria and President of Foote Paul Azemmour Establishment, Ibrahim Abdul Malik, Secretary-General of the Public Authority for Youth Welfare and Sports, Khalid Cannon, Assistant Secretary of the Board, Dr. Ahmed Saad Al-Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Mohamed Mohammed Fadel Hamli, Chairperson of Disabled Persons' Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Vice President of the FIA, Nassan Thani Juma, Vice President of the Disabled Persons' Federation and Chief Executive of the Special Olympics, and Majid Osaimi, Secretary of the Federation and the host of the ceremony.  The celebration began with the United Arab Emirates National Anthem followed by a blessed recitation from the Holy Quran by athlete Rashied Said.  Mohammed Fadel Hamli then gave an introductory speech in which he directed his thanks to SCHS for its unlimited support of the Knights of Determination.  He praised the high attendance of this event, which doubled with mention to the thought that the number of practitioners are increasing rapidly which is good for people with disabilities. Currently, over 1000 athletes are registered.

 There were over 113 medals won last year, by participating in 15 foreign championships.  Sharjah will host the World Games of Disability and Amputation for the first time next December.   The audiences interaction with the documentary film that displays the march of success of the Knights of Determination to try to overcome the barrier of disability and raise their country’s flag in international tournaments was extraordinary.  Mr. Abdullah Khalil Ahli, Head of the Deaf Committee revealed the committee’s motto.  His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum launched the official website of the Disabled Persons' Federation and honored agencies, institutions, councils, and different sports clubs for the disabled.  SCHS’s 3 branches in Al Dhaid, Khorfakhan, Kalba were among honored institutions for their unlimited cooperation with the federation.  Mr. Ahmed Al Hamadi, Head of SCHS’s Public Relations Department, received the honorary mention on behalf of SCHS.  In addition,  Mr. Fayez Fathi Badawi, a Teacher of Physical Education, received the honorary mention on behalf of Khorfakhan and Kalba branches.  As for Al Dhaid branch, it was received by Mr. Amer Ahmed Ibrahim, a Physical Education Teacher.  Abdullah Saif Al Aryani, a Shooting Champion, presented a banquet of flowers to His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum on the occasion of winning the gold medal at the World Series of Shooting which concluded recently in Al Ain.