Motorbike riders require safety reminders - Letters to the editor - The National Dt 7th March 2016

UAE safety experts call for stricter policing of motorcyclists (March 6) is a timely article.

I have noticed an increase in number of people violating safety rules, including but not limited to the non-use of helmets and poor maintenance of the vehicles.

I have seen delivery men riding without any respect for their own their safety let alone that of other road users. They often tailgate at high speed.

The authorities should contact the companies that employ motorcycle riders to ensure that these people get regular road-safety briefings.

Road safety should remain a priority for everyone.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, visit The National online.

Financial planning - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt 05 September 2015

It was Onam, the harvest festival of Keralites on Friday. I attended a traditional Onam lunch. It is always a great feeling taking part in such cultural activities.

The main attraction of the celebration was the traditional Onam feast, ie. Sadhya. A sumptuous lunch with a long list of curries served on a plantain leaf. All in traditional style.

As we were having the lunch, one of the dignitaries was addressing the crowd. He mentioned the value of money. These days we are hearing of several people affected by huge financial problems. Rich and ordinary alike are suffering because of poor financial planning.

His speech reminded me of KV Shamsudheen’s untiring community effort to teach the general public about the perils of bad money management and the importance of systematic financial planning in life.

Money is precious. Handle it carefully. It is hard to earn and easy to lose.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

Electronic world - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt 29 August 2015

This is the age of electronic communication. This makes things easier for all. Children are well read and if they have any doubt on anything in this universe, they have the Google guru to assist. They don’t need to ask anyone else. They don’t believe anyone else too! Either their friends or what they find from searching on the Internet through Google.

I am amazed and amused by this trend. The other day I was in a shopping mall lift. A family of three came in with their child in the pram. I noticed the cute little boy of 3 to 4 years playing with an Android phone.

I thought he might be playing some games. As I observed closer, I was proved wrong, he was watching videos from a YouTube link active in it. Selecting and changing one after another!

As it was Onam, the harvest festival of Keralites, I went to the vegetable section of the supermarket.

I found a young couple, probably recently married, busy shopping. The boy and the girl were trying to impress each other on their mastery on vegetables and cooking! It was nice to see them trying to make headway in their life journey.

In between the girl too was searching on the Internet for various ingredients to be bought for a traditional Kerala recipe.

As I stood in the queue, I could see her calling her mother to confirm whether the items and quantity to be purchased were correct!

What would we do in this modern world if the mobile or electronic gadgets stop working?

Ramesh Menon
Gulf Today, Short Take Dt 29 August 2015

Hard work - Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt 8th August 2015

Hard work - Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt 8th August 2015

I love to visit Mumbai whenever I get a chance. The place has a lot of specialities, which no other city in India can boast about. First and foremost I value is the way people work hard to earn their daily bread. One will get to find people living and enjoying with even a meagre daily income.

My regular visits have helped me connect with a special friend in Mumbai. I met him six years ago during a rainy season, when I was waiting for a taxi outside my hotel.

Many taxis passed by but I was not comfortable as I felt they might stop in the submerged roads. Then came the old model van. Its poor condition with open windows made it convenient for me to explore my photography opportunities. The driver was familiar with the city and took me around for the next three days.

The rapport continued from then on and every time he was my driver to take me around in Mumbai.

This time too I called him, but he arrived in a different car. His owner had sold his favourite (mine too) vehicle and given him a different model.

While travelling, several topics came up for discussion. I asked him whether he wanted to have his own car one day. He said he was happy with the daily earnings he got after paying a fixed amount to the owner.

With his earnings, he takes care of his wife and children, who live in another state. He said, “I believe in hard work and may be one day I would buy a bigger car to take tourists around. I don’t pray for a lottery win or any other way that I do not deserve.”

I am looking forward to the time when he would drive around in his own vehicle.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

Abdul Kalam left a rich legacy - Letters to the editor - The National dated 30th July 2015

Abdul Kalam left a rich legacy

Your editorial A humble man with big ideas (July 29) was poignant. With the death of Dr Abdul Kalam, India has not just lost a great scientist, but a great human being.

Two major incidents made this week particularly tragic for the country, as there was also a terrorist attack in Punjab.

Dr Abdul Kalam was a visionary, as he devoted his time to nurture young talent. He realised that the young generation is the backbone of the nation. He was also kind and compassionate. Dr Abdul Kalam strongly advocated an action plan to develop India into a “knowledge superpower”. His rich legacy will keep his memory alive. His books, particularly Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds, will carry his thoughts and ideas to millions of people. May his soul rest in peace.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online

Road tragedy a call for education - Letters to the Editor - The National Dt 15th July 2015

My reaction to your news story, Dubai police officer dies trying to help woman (July 12) is that this is a tragedy – and especially because it was the second recent incident in which a police officer has been killed in this way.

It once again confirms that most people just don’t realise that disobeying traffic rules not only jeopardises their own lives but also those of others. It is a lesson some people seem determined to only learn the hard way.

These type of accidents are likely to encourage the authorities to enforce stricter traffic rules for the people’s own good. That is the right choice.

All drivers in the UAE– and especially the young ones – need to be educated about being patient behind the wheel, not texting or speaking on the phone while driving and not driving while tired.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Lack of Safety Signs in Jabal Al Jais Mountains

Utilising the weekend off to explore unseen destination in the UAE, I visited the Jabal Al Jais mountain in the Ras Al Khaimah emirate. A beautiful place with excellent road facilities and directions.

However, I noticed one dangerous element in the top of the mountain that is accessible for visitors.

There are no protective railings or warning sign boards installed in the area.

I saw many people going closer to the edges and taking selfies in various poses, even jumping near the edge. This is alarming and an invitation for danger to happen.

Self restraint is a must to avoid dangerous situations, but a cautionary guidance from authorities will be a reminder and warning to those who venture into dangerous act.

This is one of the emerging tourist destinations and among the must visit site in the UAE and hope the relevant authorities will install necessary warning boards and protective rails to avoid danger. Safety First.

Take the right path - Gulf Today - Short Takae Dt 11th july 2015

Take the right path

I love to explore and experience the beauty of this country, its culture and values. Each day brings out a joy of learning a thing new, irrespective of which side I get up, who double parks in front of my car, or who speeds and misses hitting my car while travelling between work and home.

The country is growing in pace and volume and along with it the diverse culture and style.

Several times I ask myself why the public has a tendency to violate rules and values when they clearly know that these are not to be violated especially during this holy period. A self-realisation from within is essential.

Ramesh Menon

Gulf Today, Short Take Dt 11th July 2015

Point to ponder – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 04 July 2015

It was a foggy morning and I looked through the windows outside. The busy road and the vehicles were not clearly visible as it used to be on any normal day.

Suddenly my eyes caught up with a flip calendar with a quote on it. The words on that day’s page read “Never do anything which you do not wish to do during the last hour of your life.”

I kept on looking at it for a long time. The foggy weather condition and the traffic situation were no more in my focus and thoughts.

My memories went back to a few years to a hospital room near the ICU. It was raining and I was consoling a loving family member who was, unknown to all of us at that time, in the last week of her life. Listening to my encouraging words, she was showing a brave face, but she knew at that condition a turnaround was the last possible thing.

That part of the thought ended then and there and it revolved to the present. Can we really make an effort to have the real essence of that sentence possible in our day-to-day life? I started thinking deep into it. How can we bring in a change that can make our last action everlasting?

Not an easy task. After all, no one wants to die fast. So, is that an excuse to do something unwanted to be given another chance to correct it?

Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, visit Gulf Today online

Happy ending despite drama on RAK mountain top - Letter to the editor - 7daysUAE

A weekend outing to Jabal Al Jais mountain in Ras Al Khaimah was exciting for us till the last part of our journey.

Looking for a photography opportunity and exploring new places in the UAE during the weekends of Ramadan, we enjoyed the view from the top of the mountain a beautiful sunset.

Back to our car, we were suddenly left with the reality that our 4X4s battery was dead and there was no way to start the car. It was not a busy day at the top and not many 4X4s around and some smaller cars did not stop to our distress signal.

Then comes a big brother – literally an elder brother in all sense as the car was a newer model of Ford F150 and ours were an older edition of it – the Ford Sport Trac.

The owner of it, his family and his friend in another 4×4 was very happy to stop, come out and help us with a booster cable they had newly bought.

As he opened the new packet and connected the batteries of both the cars and tried to start – there goes the connector in flame! Poor quality item being sold in the country without any testing which may leave the customers at risk or in danger when in need of the equipment they bought to support them.

A bit of manual effort and rework on the damaged cable by the man and his friend served the purpose and we could start the car and bring back smiles back to all our face.

Thanks big bros for this kind and timely gesture.

This experience of ours with the sub-standard cable being marketed is a caution to all to make sure the equipment we buy works when in need.

As for marketing outlets and regulatory authorities, there should be a control mechanism in place in the country to release for sale only tested and proven materials.

Ramesh Menon, UAE

Point to ponder – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 04 July 2015

Point to ponder

It was a foggy morning and I looked through the windows outside. The busy road and the vehicles were not clearly visible as it used to be on any normal day.

Suddenly my eyes caught up with a flip calendar with a quote on it. The words on that day’s page read “Never do anything which you do not wish to do during the last hour of your life.”

I kept on looking at it for a long time. The foggy weather condition and the traffic situation were no more in my focus and thoughts.

My memories went back to a few years to a hospital room near the ICU. It was raining and I was consoling a loving family member who was, unknown to all of us at that time, in the last week of her life. Listening to my encouraging words, she was showing a brave face, but she knew at that condition a turnaround was the last possible thing.

That part of the thought ended then and there and it revolved to the present. Can we really make an effort to have the real essence of that sentence possible in our day-to-day life? I started thinking deep into it. How can we bring in a change that can make our last action everlasting?

Not an easy task. After all, no one wants to die fast. So, is that an excuse to do something unwanted to be given another chance to correct it?

Ramesh Menon

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

Take a break - Short Take - Gulf Today - Dt 27th June 2015

Take a break

Life moves at a crazy pace. At times I feel the 5W’s of journalism is immaterial in our day-to-day life. Who we are, What we do, When do we have time for ourselves, Where are we moving to, Why life is like this these days?

No one has time for the other. The stories we were taught about birds and tiny creatures storing their bits and pieces of grains for survival during the monsoon season, when it is normally tough to get supplies, were simple management techniques driven hard into our mind to preserve for a tougher time.

Do we have such an ideology to teach for the young generation these days? I don’t think so. Everything is impulsive and instantaneous. You buy the latest phone and within a few months change it with a new model. Same with cars.

I think there is a need to slow down, relax and enjoy the precious moments with peace and harmony.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online 

#PassionatePhotographers

#ClicksandWrites

www.clicksandwrites.com

Lower the height of signboards - Letters to the editor - The National Dt 22 June 2015

Lower the height of signboards

The new Onwani system will make it easier for people to access every location in Abu Dhabi. What we have to do now is get used to this change.

However, I would like to point out that the signboards with the building numbers and QR codes have been placed too high. This makes it difficult for short people or those of average height to access them to scan the QR codes.

Lowering the height of these boards will enable everyone to make use of the QR facility.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online

Spiritual discipline - Gulf Today - Short Take Dt 20th June 2015

Spiritual discipline

The Holy Month of Ramadan is here again. The religious aura it brings along is beyond explanation. Everyone tends to fall in to a spiritual routine and discipline automatically. It also adds up to an ambitious effort each day to remain focused and composed. Angry words and actions will become a history. Efforts to meet colleagues, friends or family each evening to break the fast become automatically a team-building effort towards positiveness in life.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

Fruitful thoughts - Gulf Today - Short Take Dt 13 June 2015

Fruitful thoughts

To be in the presence of some people is a blessing as they come out with precious thoughts and words that remain everlasting and highly motivating. The other day, I got a repeat chance to be with one such person, Sultan Al Hajji.

After an official function, I was lucky to get a drive back home with him. Several topics came up and at some point of time our talks focused on gardening.

It reminded me of my childhood when we used to plant seeds of coconut, jackfruit and saplings of precious trees like teak or sandalwood in our farms.

There were no campaigns those days to promote environment. Our ancestors were visionaries and they knew the importance of plants and trees and made it a point that children have to play a big role in preserving the wealth of nature.

The acts done those days with a bit of curiosity and compulsion were forgotten over a period of time. We used to even name those trees we planted with our own pet names or names of heroes.

Our talks became emotional and he agreed with me and showed his little garden where the plants are young and growing. People like him who value nature’s wealth for the next generation are rare.

It is holiday time once again and we need to utilise time with children and instil in their minds the importance of preserving nature.

Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

Don’t delay the midday break - Letters to the editor - The National Dt 08 June 2015

Don’t delay the midday break

With the temperature consistently remaining high, I would suggest the midday break be implemented with immediate effect. If you visit a construction site, you will notice how exhausted the workers are. It’s also necessary to ensure they get an adequate supply of water.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online

Artistic taste - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt 06 June 2015

Artistic taste

I have several hobbies developed over a period of years. It is interesting to develop new skills and it requires a lot of dedication and sustained effort.

Sketching and drawing is one of them. During my school days, I was scared to touch the pencil even to draw an ordinary flower for my school assignments.

But moving on to college and professional courses, there was no choice left other than to try it out. At some point of time, I thought about my maternal uncle, who used to be very good at oil paintings.

I thought about him whenever I had any assignments and some sort of self-confidence developed. The artistic taste grew from there on.

My thoughts on drawing came out recently when I observed an artist exhibiting his skills at an Abu Dhabi mall. He was a professional and started from a blank canvas and used the free brush style and created something extraordinary.

Thinking deeper into it, our life is like that of the blank canvas and the artist. We are born with certain natural and inherited skills and we add up on to them several others through continuous education. This becomes our true wealth.

How we utilise this wealth will result in our immortal contributions to society. This is what I term, Talent Share, with its magic mantra. A talent or knowledge is to be shared.

The joy of seeing someone else taking up your interest in a competitive or entertainment spirit is immense to experience.

Ramesh Menon

To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online

Social commitment - Short Take - Gulf Today Dt 30th May 2015

Social commitment

I have a Facebook account as well as Facebook page and a photography group that I moderate. On my personal account, I handpick my contacts who are there as friends. On the page and group, I do allow, with limited moderation, those who should be there.

The reason obviously is to select the audience who I wish to read my thoughts or will be interested to read it and whose activities interest me. Obviously, it will be the same with every socially committed person.

Recently, a virus hit one of my accounts. I did a housekeeping of my accounts and removed some names I genuinely thought should not be to in my friends’ or contact list.

I believe in the saying, “You are known by the company you keep.”

Social media should be used effectively. If one has free time, it is better to do something good, voluntary or social work, utilising the knowledge skills rather than wasting time propagating what another person or his family or friends do or how his family is or what his social status is.

It is always best to stay focused on good things.

Ramesh Menon

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

Power of now - Gulf Today - Short Take Dt 2nd May 2015

Power of now

 I walked slowly to my senior colleague’s office the other day. It was his first day from an unexpected leave. As soon as he saw me, he came and held my hands. We remained silent for some moments. That was a moment of long conversation without any words.

 He knew very well I will understand his feelings. He had lost his mother suddenly. Death of close ones bring in a sudden vacuum in life. We tend to get lost on words, thoughts and deeds.

Whom to ask and what to do when someone whom we depended always till then is no more to clear and cover our queries and actions!

The other day, I realised a friend of mine, who is now working far away from his family experiencing the same feelings. He was missing his late father a lot. I am sure many of you have or will have this feelings coming again.

What is happening around us these days due to a tragedy of bigger dimension in Nepal also brings in similar feelings when we read about the sad stories coming out each day.

Suddenly, many are left stranded in life and thrown to the mercy of the nature and of several unknown kind.

We don’t know what future has in store for us. But we certainly know our present is in our hand.

Live our life to the best possible way without hurting anyone and always try to help someone who is in need. Devote time in doing good things rather than whiling it away on loose talks about any.

If someone has nothing to do, it is better to remain silent and enjoy the bliss of being in this present world.

Ramesh Menon

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

Strict safety norms should be enforced

Strict safety norms should be enforced

Reader is concerned about workers ignoring safety measures when at construction sites.

Abu Dhabi

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is being celebrated tomorrow, April 28, and our highest priority should be oriented towards the principle of prevention of danger.

A look at some of the maintenance activities being carried out by the staff of some companies that work on the installation of advertisement stickers on high rise buildings within the capital made me write about this important safety issue. They use the suspended scaffolding to paste these stickers on the windows. However, observing them at close quarters I noticed that most of them were not wearing appropriate safety gear.

My fear aggravated when I noticed that a group of construction workers who were working on seven-storey building were carrying out their jobs without wearing any safety gear. This was alarming and there was no way I could reach out to them and inform them to adhere to safety measures.

These two observations highlight the need for stricter enforcement of safety norms. We do note that companies have strict safety guidelines in place for the welfare of their workforce. However, there is always an exception. Some companies even hire part-time workers, and it appears that safety is not a matter of priority for them and precautionary measures are sidelined. This is dangerous as even a minor miss may end up in loss of life or permanent injury to the worker involved.

Through this report, I request the concerned authorities to consider this matter and enforce stricter rules for workers who engage in jobs at high altitudes. The need for a standard acknowledgement and acceptance to conform to safety standards is essential when permits for such jobs to be carried out are issued.

Let ‘Safety First’ be on everyone’s mind at all time. Keep reminding each other and remembering with a strong inner sense the three key notes: ‘Safety for me, for you and for everyone’ as a mantra to achieve better safety results.

  

— The reader is an operations manager based in Abu Dhabi.

  

Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com