Gulf News Reader pictures of the week - :07 September 22, 2013

Gulf News reader Ramesh Menon took this picture at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition. Falcons are an integral part of desert life in the UAE for centuries. Originally, falcons were used for hunting, to supplement the Bedouin diet with some meat, such as hare and houbara.

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

UAE and India National Anthems by Naval Orchestra Band of Indian Navy

To all those who missed it:

UAE and India National Anthems by Naval Orchestra Band of Indian Navy

Enjoy the lively performance of Naval Orchestra Band of Indian Navy presenting both the UAE and Indian National Anthems. A very rare piece for all Indians in UAE. Share it with your friends as much as possible. Long live India - UAE friendly relationship.

Sincerely thank the Cultural Wing of Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Management Committee of India Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi for organizing this rare event at Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, 17th September 2013.

I take this opportunity to salute all the men in white who guard our waters.

http://youtu.be/8c93PZEDAE4

Onam Kerala's harvest festival - Dt. 17-09-2013 Gulf News - Readers Picture

Onam Kerala's harvest festival - Dt. 17-09-2013 Gulf News - Readers Picture

Gulf News reader Ramesh Menon took pictures of Onam decorations in Thrissur, Kerala, India

To read it online, please visit GULF NEWS online.

Gulf News reader Ramesh Menon took pictures of Onam decorations in Thrissur, Kerala, India. He said: “Onam – the traditional festival of harvest for Keralites is the most celebrated festival of the year. The festival marks the arrival of the mythical king called Mahabali. People from different walks of life come together and celebrate this day with family and friends over a luxurious feast. People decorate their houses with symbolic items, including day-to-day household utensils, vegetables and flowers. In the olden days, flowers used for decorations were picked fresh from people’s gardens, but now there are huge markets where people can buy all kinds of decorative items.Children are most excited for Onam, as they get gifts from their elders. I remember my childhood days in a small village named Urakam in Thrissur, where the decorations were very elaborate and the entire city seemed to be jumping with joy and excitement. Over time, the number of nuclear families is increasing and regional associations are gaining prominence, because of which people tend to celebrate these festivities at their respective associations and gatherings outside home. Let harmony and joy prevail with goodwill for all as envisaged by the great king Mahabali.”

Expatriate residents in the UAE, from the Indian state of Kerala, celebrated the festival yesterday.

Awareness drives can curb diseases

Awareness drives can curb diseases

The Muntada event on Alzheimer’s and diabetes, organised by Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation was an eye opener for all those who attended it (Doctors warn of growing risk of Alzheimer’s disease, September 16).

Lifestyle plays a crucial role in preventing both diseases. I sincerely thank the organisers for bringing in experts who helped the participants better understand these diseases with their clear presentation and interaction.

More awareness campaigns are needed on these health issues, especially among school and universitie communities.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
The National Dt. 17 Sept 2013

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online

Muntada: New Findings on How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes and Alzheimer’s

Hosted by Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation.

Speakers Dr. Miia Kivipelto and Dr. Jaakko Tuomilehto were really excited to address a Middle Eastern audience, for the very first time in many years of research on age related diseases.

Date: Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (GST)

Venue: Manarat Al Saadiyat | Saadiyat Cultural District

It was really an informative programme. Thank you for bringing two eminent speakers to create awareness on the subject.
Best wishes for all your future programmes.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
16 Sept 2013

Emiratis and Expats : Bridging the gap - Gulf News Dt. 11.09.2013

Understanding the culture

A thought provoking article of contemporary relevance, as UAE is looking to progress in all fields. An individual of any nationality undergoes the same dilemma expressed by the writer. It is true that a certain cultural inhibition is there in most of us. However, I believe that each individual needs to put in effort to learn and understand the local language and tradition of the country, to feel a part of it. As a member of the India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), Abu Dhabi, I would like to appreciate the effort of ISC to conduct Arabic language courses for its members and their families. This has made a significant impact in the community. Involvement of police and other local humanitarian associations in club events has also given expatriates an opportunity to understand the local culture.

From Mr Ramesh Menon

Abu Dhabi

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

Pedestrian lifts in need of repair - The National Dt. 06 September 2013

Safety campaign needed at schools

Safety campaign needed at schools 

Schools have opened after the long summer and Eid holiday break.

As there are now many new residents in the country, it is important to start traffic safety campaigns so everyone is aware of the dos and don'ts - especially mothers who are dropping off and picking up their children.

I have found that many of these drivers are not wearing seat belts.

Why not introduce a campaign where the road-safety checks are made by female police officers?

I feel they will be more effective when it comes to imparting knowledge to women and children about the dangers of not following traffic rules and regulations.

It will also give added prominence and recognition to the female members of the country's police forces.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

The National Dt 04 September 2013 
To read it online, please visit THE NATIONAL online

Divine rhythms of Kerala 3

A tribute to all temple artists of Kerala - especially those who participate in Irinjalakuda, Urakam, Cherpu, Arattuppuzha and Trichur pooram festivals. It is absolutely nostalgic. What you see is what you get when you visit Kerala during the months of April - May. Do not miss the coming season.

Divine rhythms of Kerala - part 2

A tribute to all temple artists of Kerala - especially those who participate in Irinjalakuda, Urakam, Cherpu, Arattuppuzha and Trichur pooram festivals. It is absolutely nostalgic. What you see is what you get when you visit Kerala during the months of April - May. Do not miss the coming season.