Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Young ADIPEC - Photography Competition for students in UAE


One more day to click and One more day to submit.
Do not miss out on this opportunity for your child to participate. Attractive prizes and recognition awaits during the special ceremony at Young ADIPEC pavilion during ADIPEC 2014.
For more information, please visit Young ADIPEC

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Safety First - Wear your seat belts


For all my readers:

If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. 


You may also read similar articles at: Safety First

I would love to read your comments.


Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi - Clicksand Writes

Importance of breakfast


Do you have breakfast in the morning?
If not, start it as a habit. Health is one of Your Wealth.
Also, whenever you get an opportunity, feed animals.
It gives an immense feeling of joy, compassion and many more expression of known and unknown kind.

#PassionatePhotographers
#ClicksandWrites
#RameshMenonAbuDhabi
#InAbuDhabi
#HSE

For all my readers:

If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. 


You may also read similar articles at: Safety First

I would love to read your comments.


Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi - Clicksand Writes

Monday, October 27, 2014

Is that me you looking for?


De Margerie’s death a big loss - The National Dt 27 October 2014

De Margerie’s death a big loss

I refer to the article New boss assures Total’s commitment to Abu Dhabi (October 26).

The former Total chief Christophe de Margerie was a true leader who personified human values, professionalism and charisma. He was a very special man. He was at the forefront of major events such as Adipec and Formula 1.

He was a towering personality who will live forever in our memory.

He was famous for his quick wit, pleasant demeanour and warm handshakes.

I offer my condolences to his family and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace.


Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Still Water Aquariums - the best way to enhance positive energy in your life

Benefits of keeping fish aquarium as per vastu shastra.










Benefits of keeping fish aquarium as per vastu shastra.

  • ·        An aquarium generates lot of positive energy and eliminates negative and evil energies from a home.
  • ·         Good, healthy and active fishes attract good fortune, wealth and happiness.
  • ·         Observing fishes in an aquarium relaxes and calms a human mind.
  • ·         Proving food to hungry fishes adds to our good karma.
  • ·         As per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu’s 1st reincarnation (out of 9) on earth is fish and hence fishes are believed to absorb a huge amount of negative energy and radiate positive energy.
  • ·         If you feel that a certain problem in your office or home is because of a vastu defect then placing a fish aquarium eliminates that problem.
  • ·         Colorful, attractive and active fishes draw attention of guests and hence they remain more focused on fish tank. Also all the negative and evil energy they give off is absorbed by aquarium and gets converted to positive energy. 
  • Your problems will end permanently with natural fish and its continuous movement in an aquarium kept home.

(Compilation from the source: vastushastraguru.com)

Movement of fishes in aquarium generates and enhances positive energy and attracts prosperity, wealth and happiness. Even Chinese Feng-Shui says that the more rapidly fishes move within an aquarium, the more positive energy (Chi) they generate and more prosperity, wealth and happiness is attracted.

Why delay, contact today itself and order one:

Still Water Aquariums, Shop#3, Al Reem Tower, Green Community, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,  Phone: 055 5942487


Saturday, October 25, 2014

Drive Safe - Gulf Today - Short Take Dt 25 October 2014

Drive safe

I am always worried when I get to see people driving dangerously. It has been a routine to talk and promote about safety on the road and elsewhere. From experience, I have felt people have to be consistently reminded of safe driving habits.

A moment of lapse in attention is enough to result in a major road disaster.

This is again and again proved when I drive on the Abu Dhabi – Dubai highway.

I was driving back from Dubai a few days ago and found the car in front of me not in control and wavering from one line to another. Feeling something dangerous going to happen as I watched a few distance from behind, I flashed and honked the driver to stop.

I went to him and talked to him whether he was ok. I found him exhausted and sleepy. It took some time for me to convince him to stop for some time, take enough rest and re-start his journey.

Many times, we may not get to be in that situation. I realised that it is not enough to drive carefully. But, we also need to watch out for others’ mistakes.

Beware of others’ mistakes. True to its word, at times we are really helpless.


Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

For all my readers:

If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. 


You may also read similar articles at: Safety First

I would love to read your comments.


Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi - Clicksand Writes



Key words: Road Safety, Safety First

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Jaywalking on the increase

Jaywalking on the increase 

I would like to bring readers’ attention to the fact that jaywalking has increased on the streets of Abu Dhabi – especially along Sheikh Zayed the First Street (formerly Electra Road).

I find driving in the evening quite dangerous, because people of all ages cross the road at will.

I don’t know why they do this without any consideration for their own lives, but I do know that a lack of fencing is allowing them to do it.

I believe the distance between the pedestrian crossings is too far, so people take the easy option. I also think that some people avoid using the underpass because they feel unsafe doing so.

There should be an official campaign to fine people who jaywalk, and this fine should be increased if the person is talking on a mobile phone or listening to music through earphones.

I would like to see fencing along the median strip and signage to indicate the location of the underpass.

Let’s work together to make safety a priority.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read this in original, please visit The National Online

For all my readers:

(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Monday, October 20, 2014

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches Dugong Education and Awareness Campaign


Awareness campaign sponsored by Total and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (ABK)-

Abu Dhabi, October 20, 2014: The Environment Agency –Abu Dhabi (EAD), in partnership with Total and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (ABK), launched the dugong education and awareness campaign today at Al Mamoura Auditorium, at EAD’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The campaigns aims to raise awareness on the current threats that affect the dugong population found in Abu Dhabi, and how to provide the dugongs with a safe haven to live and breed.

During the kick-off of the campaign, Ahmed Baharoon, EAD’s Executive Director, Environmental Information, Science & Outreach Management spoke on behalf of H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD, and Mr. Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Total E&P UAE, emphasised the importance of their continuous joint efforts in conserving the dugong population, protecting its habitat, and monitoring and studying their biological and geographical distribution in the UAE’s waters.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, H.E. Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD, said: "Through this campaign, we aim to raise environmental awareness and educate the community on the importance of protecting the dugongs, as the UAE waters are home to the second-largest population of this species in the world. Through the support of Total and Total ABK, EAD is successfully implementing its Dugong Conservation Programme, enabling the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to provide a safe haven for this migrating species and making the UAE for a leader in global dugong conservational efforts."

Throughout the coming months, EAD, Total, and Total ABK, will organise interactive educational workshops and information campaigns to educate middle-school and high-school students, the fishing community and boat owners in Abu Dhabi and the Western Region, shoreline industries and the general public. The campaign will also include a public outreach programme through EAD’s social media platforms, along with a number of family-oriented entertaining and educational activities in November 2014, to be held at Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at EAD, commented: “Since 1999, EAD, Total, and Total ABK, have collaborated in conducting detailed studies on the local dugong population. These studies have provided our teams with the data that helps us better understand the behaviour and threats against the dugong population. Dugongs are an endangered species and could be threatened with extinction unless we conserve their habitat and prevent human interference.”

“One of the most important elements of our conservation efforts is to inform and educate the public about marine life found in Abu Dhabi. Through this campaign, we work together in order to protect the dugong population,” Dr. Al Dhaheri added.

Mr. Hatem Nuseibeh, President Total E&P UAE and Group Representative in the UAE, commented, “Total UAE and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh are proud to be an ardent supporter in EAD’s dugong conservation program by exclusively sponsoring since its launch in 1999. Thanks to EAD’s efforts, today Abu Dhabi is a leader of international repute hosting the Dugong Secretariat of Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) under United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Since 1939, Total has established a solid partnership with the authorities and people of the UAE by sharing technology and innovation, environment protection, capacity building of Emiratis and aligning with the vision of the wise leadership of the UAE. We have an unwavering commitment for the benefit of the UAE.”


Mr. Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Total E&P UAE, said, “Both Total and Total ABK as responsible energy companies, contribute to the welfare of the host country in all aspects including environment conservation. Under the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and the guidance of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Total UAE and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh demonstrate their solidarity by partnering with EAD in the noble cause of preserving the delicate biodiversity of the Emirates. This is one of the ways of expressing our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the UAE.”


Significant effort has been made by the UAE and EAD in the conservation of the dugong population. In 2002, EAD banned drift net fishing practices in shallow waters to prevent dugongs and turtles from becoming entangled in the nets. On a national front, the UAE issued Federal Law No. 23 and 24 in 1999 to protect dugongs from exploitation. In support of international efforts, the UAE was one of the first Middle Eastern countries to sign the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) agreement in 2007 on the conservation and management of dugongs and their habitat. The Dugong Memorandum of Understanding, which falls under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), is implemented through the CMS Secretariat office hosted by EAD since 2009 on behalf of the UAE’s Government.

For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Friday, October 17, 2014

Time to click - Gulf Today, Short Take Dated 18 October 2014

Time to click




Modern technology gives plenty of options for children to develop several hobbies. At times, I really wonder how children learn things on their own within no time.

The other day, I was attending a function and noticed a young girl sitting next to her mother. She was restless as the programme was meant for adults and she had tagged along her mother.

However, I knew from her actions that she was listening to the speech carefully. As it progressed, I watched her taking her mother’s Android phone. She opened in it an application to take photos. The next thing I saw was her taking a photo of the stage and the speaker. In no time, she edited the photo in different ways, added graphics and text and made a collage out of it. Sitting and watching her closely from behind, I was wonderstruck. How children expresses their mind in many different ways!

Photography is an ideal opportunity for children and adults to express their creativity. It is a way of looking things with a positive frame of mind. I also believe that photography is a way of putting your stamp on history. Every photo you click is an item added to the history of our life or even the world. We can never recreate the same again. The light, the expression and even the air pattern may change in the next second and you can never reproduce the same effect again.

In order to promote photography interest and also to create interest in the architectural history of Abu Dhabi, a photography competition is organised by the ADIPEC.

The theme “Abu Dhabi Architecture” encourages young photographers to uncover the splendor of modern Abu Dhabi as seen through their lenses by capturing rural or urban city scenes, landscapes, landmarks – both modern and classical, e.g. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, Yas Marina, Capital Gate and also view of Corniche, Yas Island.

The theme focuses on uncovering the beauty that modern Abu Dhabi has to offer – be it a secret hideaway, a colorful graffiti wall, a bustling city scene, a unique attraction or spectacular views. Children in the age group 11-18 can participate. More details can be obtained at http://clicksandwrites.blogspot.ae/search/label/Young%20ADIPEC.

The deadline to submit the photos is Oct.31, 2014.


Ramesh Menon

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

For all my readers:

(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Top regional drivers primed for Abu Dhabi Rally

Top regional drivers primed for Abu Dhabi Rally


New two-day event begins on Thursday, with home hero Khalid among the favourites

Abu Dhabi: Some of the region’s top motorsport stars are gearing up for the first two-day Abu Dhabi Rally on Thursday and Friday.
Fifteen teams will compete in the competition, which begins at Yas Marina Circuit and which is a candidate event for the 2015 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).

The rally is being held by Abu Dhabi Racing and Yas Motor Racing Club and begins with a spectator stage on Thursday, where motorsport fans can watch elite drivers from the UAE, Qatar and Lebanon battling it out.

Among the favourites to clinch the Abu Dhabi title are Shaikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing, who was one of the first drivers to register for the event.

Shaikh Khalid said: “This event will enhance the Middle East Rally Championship calendar.”

He has also ensured that the Abu Dhabi Racing youth drivers Mohammad Al Motawa’a, Mohammad Al Sahlawi, Mansour Bel Helei, Saeed Bin Touq and Juma Al Falasi will be participating in the 2WD Citroen DS3 R3 class.

Shaikh Khalid shot to prominence in 2002, when he won the Group N title in the Middle East Rally Championship.

He is currently second in the MERC table and is participating in selected World Rally Championship rounds with the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Shaikh Khalid’s elder brother has also confirmed his participation in a Ford Fiesta RRC.

Shaikh Abdullah should be a serious contender for the AD Rally title, having won the UAE crown in 1993, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2008 and 2010. He also won the MERC Group N title in 1998, 2000 and 2003.
Another leading contender is expected to be Qatari champion Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari, who had a two-year winning streak in the Qatar National Rally from 2010.

Abu Dhabi Rally 2014 consists of nine stages, kicking off with an asphalt stage (3.51km) at Yas Marina Circuit on Thursday, to be held after the ceremonial opening of the rally at 8pm.

The spectator stage will be held on the North Handling Circuit at Yas Marina, where each driver will have two attempts at recording his fastest time.

Access to the stands will be free of charge.

The second day of the event will consist of eight special stages on gravel roads. The first stage is Ghantoot (18.7km), followed by Al Jarf (20.55km), Al Maha (12.7km) and Al Taweelah (21.1km). The competitors will then repeat the same stages.




News & photo courtesy: Gulf News

For all my readers:


(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Clean work - Gulf Today - Short Take Dt 11 October 2014

Clean work




We did It! That was the feeling that joyously kept overflowing in our mind at around 2pm last Saturday.

While boarding on the plane to Bangalore from Abu Dhabi for Eid holidays, I had set some clear plans to act upon my arrival there.

Prior to my departure, I had messaged friends and well-wishers through email and social media about the cleaning of a highly-used pedestrian over bridge built an year ago over the Whitefield Railway crossing.

It was built after a Herculean media and public effort to highlight the difficulties and dangers of people getting killed often while crossing dangerously. Once built, the scenario changed. As any other public utility items, no one cared for it.

A handful of us, including my family and close friends, started the campaign at around 9am.

Not used to such acts, we had no idea how it would progress. However, we were prepared with brooms, garbage bags, gloves, cleaning clothes, bleaching powder, and other necessary items. We kept few brooms here and there on the stretch that anyone interested could join us.

As we progressed, Anand Sivaram, Manager of the Whitefield Railway Station and his staff joined us as also a few members of Kadugodi Police Station.

It was indeed an experience of a special kind.

We received “Thank you”, “Good Job” and also Thumbs up signs from many people who used the bridge during the time we were cleaning.

It was nice to see unknown people readily volunteering and taking the broom from our side and do cleaning work for some time. As a coin has two sides, there were those who passing negative comments too!

At the end of our effort, we landed up with 8 huge garbage bags full of leaves and other carelessly thrown away items on the sky walk. A sad thing was that that people who saw us cleaning and progressing ahead, walked further and threw paper and other waste without any civic concern.

Everyone should contribute to the welfare of the community, wherever we are.


Ramesh Menon 

To read it in original, please visit:
Gulf Today - Short Take Dt 11 October 2014



For all my readers:

(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Young ADIPEC – Photography Competition - Take your best shot and win


The Young ADIPEC Photography Competition is easy to enter – it’s open to anyone between 11-18 years old who lives in the UAE. The theme being “Abu Dhabi Architecture”; we are calling on all students to pick up their cameras and uncover the beauty of modern Capital City.

The theme “Abu Dhabi Architecture” encourages young photographers to uncover the splendor of modern Abu Dhabi as seen through their lenses by capturing rural or urban city scenes (2) landscapes (3) landmarks – both modern and classical, e.g. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, Yas Marina, Capital Gate and also view of Corniche, Yas Island. This year’s theme focuses on uncovering the beauty that modern Abu Dhabi has to offer – be it a secret hideaway, a colourful graffiti wall, a bustling city scene, a unique attraction or spectacular views.

There are four categories* and the three winning entries of each category will win great prizes:

First Prize: A DSLR camera
Second Prize:  500 AED Sharaf DG Gift Voucher
Third Prize:  250 AED Sharaf DG Gift Voucher

*Categories: Boys 11-14, Boys 15-18, Girls 11-14, Girls 15-18

To enter the competition, please take the following steps:

1.            Take one or more photos that fit the theme ‘Abu Dhabi Architecture’. You can use a camera or your phone, but try to select the best possible quality

2.            Download the submission form here www.adipec.com/yapc

3.            Fill in the form and send it, along with your pictures, to
             youngadipec@dmgeventsme.com 
         before midnight on 31st October 2014

Judging will take place on 6th November and winners will be notified shortly afterwards. The 3 shortlisted entries of each age group will appear on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and in the Photography Competition Zone at the Young ADIPEC stand, during ADIPEC 2014 (10-13 November at ADNEC).

To get inspired, please visit the Young ADIPEC social media pages:








For all my readers:



(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Guidelines for Indians - released by Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a set of guidelines for Indian expats, giving them a list of do’s and don’ts for hassle-free living in the UAE.

The 34-page booklet titled Guidelines for Indians covers practical tips on a range of issues from general conduct, accommodation and driving to employment, finance, debt and import of medicines. It also spells out the services offered by the mission, the Indian Government’s welfare schemes and key contact numbers within the UAE. These guidelines will soon be available on the Indian Embassy website http://www.indembassyuae.org/

“The publication of the guidelines is yet another initiative to improve access to services by sharing information with the general public and enhancing a culture of transparency,” Indian Ambassador T.P. Seetharam said.

The in-depth section on employment spanning six pages covers everything from what an employment contract is and stipulated leave entitlements to sponsorships and how you can get labour disputes resolved.

Similarly, the check-list on accommodation advises expats to ensure they rent it “preferably from owner directly”; look for “24-hour security and availability of proper supply of water and electricity, preferably in pest-free buildings”, etc. Tips like “onus on payment of air-conditioning fees must be clarified” are also included.

Driving guidelines warn against throwing trash out of the car; hand gestures and taking to the roads under the influence of alcohol as it can lead to imprisonment and deportation. It also offers advice on how to get an international licence.

The list for general conduct say women can wear Indian/western clothes “but conservatively”; roads must be crossed only through zebra crossings and that residents should not eat or drink in public during Ramadan.

The financial tips are more detailed, warning Indian nationals not to blindly jump at credit card offers, withdrawing cash from them, using them to pay for investments or signing blank cheques to get credit cards. It reminds them that interest on these cards is very high and is charged on a monthly basis. “So do not take a personal loan unless it is for family emergencies such as medical expenses. While these loans are at low interest rates of 8-10 per cent, often people find it difficult to service them,” it says, adding: “If you really need to take cash loan, your priority should be a salary transfer loan or loan against assets like gold, fixed deposit or car.”

News Text courtesy: Gulf News online :


Soft version of the guidelines: as provided by Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

Please share it online with as many Indian residents as possible.

Thanks and regards,






















For all my readers:

(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

WRC - Rallye de France - Alsace 2014 - Day 2




Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle strengthened their grip on third position on day two of the Rallye de France-Alsace, as they edged closer to a fourth podium finish of the season. Meanwhile, Mads Østberg and Jonas Andersson lie seventh overall in the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s second DS3 WRC.


For all my readers:



(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Overflowing toilets - a serious hygiene issue at Kadugodi Bus Station.

Overflowing toilets - a serious hygiene issue at Kadugodi Bus Station.



On Saturday, 4th October 2014, a few of us came out with a plan to clean up the Kadugodi Pedestrian Over Bridge. It is almost a year since this structure became a reality. As regular users and also concerned community members, we were worried by the amount of waste materials being dumped on it. Added to it, the roof of the connecting side of the bridge to the railway station was heavily dumped with falling leaves, thrown away food and plastic materials.

It was an effort carried out by only few of us but we made sure the objective was well achieved.

A huge support was extended from the Whitefield Railway Station Manager, Mr. Anand Sivaram and his staff.

However, carrying out the cleaning campaign, we were shocked to observe an extremely serious hygiene issue.

At the side of the bridge connecting the BMTC station, we found, heavy leakage and clogging from the toilets of the bus station. As you may see from the photo attached, it was extremely disturbing site to see.

Checking with the Railway Station Manager, we found that, repeated plea from Railways to cement the leakage has been ignored and have seen no favorable action from BMTC side till now.

With frequent rain and with the waste accumulate increasing by each passing day; the situation is turning to a serious hygiene issue for public. There are many cases of dengue and other diseases getting reported and this will be another reason for spreading such cases.

It has to be noted that more than 10,000 people use the sky bridge for reaching the bus or railway station every day. 

Thinking more about it, I now find the reason why I get to see BMTC drivers and conductors relieving themselves on the road. The male staff can get away like that. But, what about the female staff? Where do they go, if the facilities are not properly maintained and managed?!

Organisations like BMTC should act proactively for the welfare of the public and their staff.

I humbly request BMTC Management through the office of BMTC MD, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, to consider urgent repair of the toilets at Kadugodi BMTC station and plug the leaks and work hand in hand with Railway authorities to avoid any hygiene issues.

Sincere regards,

Ramesh Menon


Additional reading: 

Thank you - Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign



For all my readers:



(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Need for increased "speed control measures" by BTP in Kadugodi area




The connecting road from Hoskote to Hope Farm area of Whitefield Bangalore has been relayed beautifully by the authorities.

The work has been done in such a way that the road till the Kadugodi Over Bridge is smooth and in a drivable condition.

There is a danger awaiting here at all times.

With the completion of the road work, the traffic has gained momentum in terms of speed. This includes the buses and heavy trucks.

A U-turn exists near the bridge making it easy for residents of nearby communities to cross over to the other side of the road.

However, the removal of a speed breaker that existed is now causing lot of inconvenience and near miss situations for the drivers to turn and proceed.

The bikes, trucks and buses are all in a hurry and neither stops nor reduce the speed!

Another serious danger of children from an apartment complex nearby crossing over the road to take their school bus. On either side, these vehicles never reduce the speed. Coming down the narrow bridge, the vehicles tend to speed and proceed. Going towards the bridge, the vehicles compete with each other to reach the bridge first!

It doesn’t end there. Many vehicles coming from the Hoskote side, take advantage of the U-turn and cut across wrongly and proceed towards the market side or residential communities located there. This is extremely dangerous and has to be immediately controlled.

I humbly request BTP on this serious safety issue and resolve it by:

- Having appropriate reduce speed signage kept in this area.

- Having BTP patrol presence in the morning, especially when children go to school.

- Having increased BTP patrol presence, on first Sunday of the month where a regular function is held at Sai Vrindavan Ashram and heavy traffic and people movement happens.

- Kindly reroute the heavy trucks from this road and using the bridge, which causes regular traffic blocks.

Accidents have to be averted by taking necessary safety measures before and not after they have happened and valuable life lost.

Ramesh Menon

For all my readers:


(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Monday, October 6, 2014

Brand power: Total unveils ad campaign in 21 nations

French energy giant Total SA does not consider itself a leading energy brand.

The name suffers from “a significant lack of recognition in a number of countries that are critical to the development of Total’s current and future operations”, according to Jacques Emmanuel Saulnier, who sits on the company’s Management Committee.

In a bid to rectify this, the company has launched an international multimedia advertising campaign simultaneously in 21 countries. 

The campaign highlights Total’s operations in oil production, refining and marketing, as well as its role as a major player in natural gas.

“Total has decided to invest over the long term to develop its brand awareness and create a more powerful brand that can support our businesses more effectively,” said Saulnier, who is the Senior Vice-President, Corporate Communications.

Saulnier, who reports to Chairman and Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie, told BusinessLine on the phone from France that the last ad campaign was in 2008.

The budget then was of €24 million , and the campaign was aimed at 11 countries.

The company has already invested €50 million (around ₹388 crore) this year.

“For the print and online advertisement, we will adjust for the next waves, depending on the results,” he said, adding the poster campaign in most airports is permanent.

The multimedia campaign would feature a commercial that would air on TV, across 80 channels in 16 countries, and the Internet over six-week waves over the next three years.

In a few months, a ‘recruitment’ spin-off of the campaign would debut in the print media and on the Web. It would target occupational groups that are critical to Total, such as drilling specialists, technologists and line managers, said Saulnier.

The global corporate campaign would also include the new brand baseline: ‘Committed to better energy’.

India focus

Speaking about the importance of India in Total's marketing and promotional efforts, Saulnier said: “India needs to be present in the company’s development strategy for the future, as per India’s economic growth. 

Today, Total’s operations in India include marketing and services, gas and power, new energies and refining and chemicals.”

Adding that Total India’s Technical Centre signalled the firm’s commitment to better energy in the Asia-Pacific region, Saulnier said Total has been active in India since 1993.

(This article was published on October 5, 2014)
(Courtesy: BusinessLine)

Brand power: Total unveils ad campaign in 21 nations | Business Line
Article courtesy: AMRITA NAIR-GHASWALLA 

For all my readers:


(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Total Develops a New Deep Offshore Project, CLOV, in Angola

DEEP OFFSHORE INNOVATION AND EXPERTISE ON DISPLAY WITH CLOV



DEEP OFFSHORE INNOVATION AND EXPERTISE ON DISPLAY WITH CLOV



Once again, Total has met a challenge offshore in Angola. This one is two-fold. It involved drilling 34 subsea wells to simultaneously extract and process two different types of oil in a sensitive natural environment from four new oil fields — Cravo, Lirio, Orquidea and Violeta, or CLOV for short — in 3,609 to 4,593 feet of water. Given the project's environmental stakes, we marshaled all our expertise in deep offshore projects, defined as oil and gas developments located in more than 500 meters of water. We are using more efficient, innovative equipment and emphasizing local content.

Read more at:

Total Develops a New Deep Offshore Project, CLOV, in Angola


For all my readers:


(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last 'box' which says subscribe. Also explore the many 'previous articles' listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards - Ramesh Menon

Sai Gokuldham Bangalore – an abode of a different kind

Sai Gokuldham Bangalore – an abode of a different kind

Sai Gokuldham

Sai Gokuldham, situated at Vaghatta agraha, about 18 kms from Kadugodi, Whitefield A divine place to visit. It is one of my favourite places to visit and didn't want to miss this time too. Run by Sri A P N Sharma ji, Sai Gokuldham takes good care of old, disowned, injured animals.  The village is also called Yogapuri, and said to be a chosen place  where yogis meditate.

In its final days, our time spent with this bull was really worth

During our visit, we met a few animals who are very young and another stet very old, and one of them in the last stage of its life.


Due to water shortage, the facility is being shifted to a new location at Maloor shortly, which will have more space for the animals. There will be also option for farming the grass required for the animals at the new facility.


Sri APN Sharama is looking for support for setting up this new facility. If anyone is interested to support, may contact him on +91 9845024039 or email: mayur_elecblr@rediff.com, cool_n83@rediffmail.com.

Sri APN Sharma


options for children to feed the animals

a retired guard dog has now found is home at Sai Gokuldham






It will be a good CSR activity to visit and spent half a day there supporting his great effort.

Recreation and refreshments can be arranged on request.

God bless and sincere regards,

Ramesh Menon