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.

Of writing skills and technology - Khaleej Times - 7 July 2014

Of writing skills and technology

/ 7 July 2014

This is in response to the write-up “Get it Write”. It gave an interesting reading and insight to a pressing problem. The advent of technology is already in its successful path of killing the art of writing using pen and pencil. It is, indeed, a dangerous situation.

Concurring with the observation of Nishad Sayyed, I really feel bad to see little children tagging along parents mending their ways either on the iPhone or iPad. To make children 
familiar with the technology from an early age is good. However, making them totally addicted and dependent on them is to be pondered.

The result of the lack of interest in promoting writing at an early age is seen by the reduction of children participating in activities related to writing poetry or short stories. Time and effort has to be devoted to change this situation. How many parents and teachers take an effort in this direction may bring about the intended improvement. How can it be done has to be the next step of this important focus.

How difficult is it now for an expert to analyse a person when the art of writing itself is dying. I have been interested in this field for a long time and have been learning and collecting the handwritten scripts of those whom I come across for my study and analysis.

 It is common these days that we get to see children not expressing their mind through pen and pencil and use abbreviated terminologies to communicate through mobile or social media. To read their mind is not so easy as they get them enclosed into a shell by themselves.

What can we do next to see 
a change? Parents should make it a point to create an interest among children from a young age to start reading and writing in full and complete. On the other hand teachers and academicians of all types have a bigger role to teach them the importance of reading and 
writing it right.

Community organisations too have an important role to come out with competitions to encourage the development of literary skills.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.

A bench with no place to sit - Khaleej Times - Dt. 24 March 2014

I believe and propagate through Passionate Photographers group on Facebook that every photo clicked is history. There will be a message or a story behind it. Some told, some untold. The above just an example of how some anti-social elements can damage public property that can be a danger to children and elderly. It is not an image wish to be seen around in a beautiful city. Hope, the authorities will repair and replace it soon as necessary requests have been made to highlight it to them.

Part of a Park, Ride and Click project. A Page 3 listing for an HSE effort.  Inspiring.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Dubai to introduce new app to report food violations - Letters to the editor Khaleej Times

Dubai to introduce new app to report food violations - Letters to the editor Khaleej Times

This will be a very good move as consumers can easily report violations with photo evidence directly. Supermarket chains have to be extra cautious from now on. Many instance I have noticed the ready to use fresh vegetable items in mixed pack have old items concealed at the bottom with fresh products at the top. This will not work as also many other negligence or even over sights. Wish and hope that the new application is used well and prove to be beneficial for consumers to get quality products.

To read the original article, please visit Khaleej Times online

Reading and writing: Hundred, not out

(Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi) / 29 December 2013

This is in response to the article, “One hundred not out” (KT, December 27).

It made an interesting reading and suddenly it brought out several motivational insights within me recapitulating the year 2013 that was.

Cricket is an interesting game with lot of statistics and game loving statisticians keeping track of players and the game happening all over.

In fact when we look at it, numbers fascinate us in many ways. We are all proudly looking forward to Expo 2020. We closely watched the digital clock when it passed to the next second on 11:12:13 at 14:15:16.

Just like any sports, a reader and writer has to have nice platforms to write regularly and read on. We all cry aloud and alert when children don’t get sufficient sports facilities around. The authorities in the UAE are very generous and listen to us appropriately and the results of it are wonderful cityscape with young generation given adequate play opportunities around.

The art of reading and writing also has to be approached in a similar manner. I congratulate the writer for scoring a century with Khaleej Times. That has inspired me to write more.

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online

Well done!

Well done!

(Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi) / 14 April 2013

Best wishes to Khaleej Times on its 35th birthday.

As a regular reader, I wish to congratulate the entire team for the excellent change brought in to the newspaper in print and online during the recent times.

The online edition is attractive and easy to read and save. Local and regional contents of importance are well covered in print. Sports coverage is one of the best with excellent tabulations and graphics whenever there is any prominent event happening.

To read it in original, please visit, Khaleej Times online.

A New Page

Kerala Chief Minister turns a new page

Kerala Chief Minister turns a new page

My letter to a interesting dialogue with Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy by Roopa Kurien for Khaleej Times.

To read it in full, please visit Khaleej Times online

My comments as below:

An interesting dialogue with Kerala Chief Minister covering majority of the talked about issues. Non Resident Keralities (NRK) are always keen on issues and developmental activities happening within the state. It can be visibly observed by the number of print, online and electronic media and associations in Malayalam within this region actively discussing day to day actions.

Air Kerala is looked up on by all malayalees to ease up the travel tensions. How and when it will materializes and how far it will resolve the cost of travel is to be seen as it happens.

We have been hearing of SmartCity and in reality still hearing about it other than the developments projected in press.

Voting rights, if given to NRKs may bring about a phenomenal change to the outlook towards their demands and actual requirements.

Abolishing strikes or stoppage of educational hours should be a solution thought about by all parties to bring in a smooth flow of classes and curriculum once a student is enrolled. Peaceful protests and expression of freedom of thoughts should be allowed without interruption of classes should be implemented by bringing out an all party consensus to the current situation.

A strict no-no to public damaging of properties by any protesters should be also enforced by a joint political consensus discussed and finalized within the legal and legislative framework.

A single window processing channel for NRK investments which monitors the entire life span of each project and assist them till it become a success and after should become a reality.

A major point which did not come in this discussion is the road, transport and infrastructure facilities, which are in pathetic conditions in several parts for a long time. Road conditions from Trichur to Coimbatore, which connects Kerala with Tamilnadu is a major example of ignoring time, safety and convenience of lakhs of commuters every day.

On the health sector, NRKs and general public look forward to availability of quality medical services to them as well as general public. 

Quota for NRK students in Kerala educational institutions is also another requirement.

Hygiene issues prevailing in several parts of the state is a major problem. The poor overall facilities provided to the devotees visiting Sabarimala temple is an open issue. As also, waste management problems in all major cities like Trivandrum, Cochin, Calicut etc.

Transportation facilities in quality and quantity available to connect nearby and far away states has always been another major concern.

Last but not the least, Kerala State government is promoting various lotteries for developing different projects. Why not a lottery specific for the welfare of NRKs. It could be sold at all Airports and regular distributors.

Taking on a lighter note on the statistics projected on Janasamparkam programme, we hope the Chief Minister is conducting this to not get himself an entry into the Guinness Book of Records.

Several instances of no reply to issues addressed are in plenty, even after repeated follow up.

We look forward and welcome him to organize a real Pravasi Kerala Dhinam (day) in the UAE to interact with normal working class NRKs to understand the real issues pertaining to all from the state.

Jaywalking

Jaywalking

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi / 8 October 2012

Abu Dhabi Mall is at the centre of the city and there is always heavy traffic movement. Although there exists a pedestrian over bridge, some people still prefer to cross the road, without using it. At times, they do it even if they see oncoming vehicles. More alarmingly, people continue to talk on phone while crossing the road.
Abu Dhabi authorities used to have staff on both sides fining those who violate and jaywalk at this particular point. But, I believe, after the long summer and Eid holidays, all have forgotten this golden rule of not to cross the road at any point they wish, and seems like authorities have also forgotten about this prominent point.

May I kindly request Abu Dhabi traffic authorities to restart the campaign against jaywalking at busy traffic points. I also believe more education is required to update those who are new and also tend to forget. It should be followed up with appropriate fines so that they do not endanger their lives.

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.

Cotton Clothing

A clear and enlarged version of the photo can be seen below.

 

Cotton clothing

The Fujairah Municipality’s instruction to employers to provide appropriate light cotton clothing to those who work outside during the summer period, is praiseworthy.

I hope this and more worker-friendly actions will be followed by the other emirates, too, to safeguard those who work outside.

In addition, mandatory safety checks should be made on the tyres used on the heavy-duty trucks and public buses.

Let the progressive actions by the authorities reduce the summer stress for these silent heroes.

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.

All for road safety - Letters to the Editor -Khaleej Times Dt. 01.10.2011

All for road safety - Letters to the Editor -Khaleej Times Dt. 01.10.2011

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online:

All for road safety 

You may also read more about the ongoing road safety campaign by Khaleej Times at:

Speed kills and you could be the killer

Safety First, let that be our motto.

Birds - back home after a day's work - Khaleej Times Readers Picture Dt. 28.05.2011

Birds - back home after a day's work - Khaleej Times Readers Picture Dt. 28.05.2011

I am a Passionate Photographer and observe always for any precious moments I could capture in my camera. This is one such precious click, captured and thought I should definitely share with a wider audience and here it is in Khaleej Times readers picture section.

If you have a photo to share, do send it openspace@khaleejtimes.com

KT is my Choice - My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 17.04.2011

KT is my Choice - My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 17.04.2011

* Congratulations to Khaleej Times for turning 33. As a reader who was lucky to read 22 years of your print path and progress, I have only words of praise for each one of your team members.

Let it start from the newsboy who diligently delivers the paper at my doorstep before 5:30 am each day. He has been one of the reasons for continuing the subscription and keeping our interest in ‘Young Times’ all those years it existed.

The pages, content style, presentation, paper quality, photos, local and regional news coverage, sports coverage, online edition, all have improved over the period.

Indeed, KT can take credit for several innovative marketing ideas, which benefitted its readers like, the insurance scheme for subscribers, KT exclusive business card, KT subscription linked credit card, KT special travel bag deals etc are some that come to our mind straightaway.

One thing we all miss is the absence of ‘Young Times’ from its wings. With limited opportunity for children skilled in non-performing arts, ‘Young Times’ was a boon to display their writing or drawing skills. We sincerely wish the day is not too far to see it back on the newsstands.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

WORLD CUP FINALE - My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 27.03.2011

WORLD CUP FINALE - My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 27.03.2011
27 March 2011

What at an exciting game of knockout matches happening at World Cup 2011. The Australian team was really floored by both Pakistan and India in consecutive matches. Each player acted responsibly and played a pre-defined plan to perfection.

Whether India wins the semi final match against Pakistan or not, the tournament has been given a momentum by the attitude of the attitude to win by those eight teams. They have already captured the hearts of millions of cricket fans, irrespective of whether they come from India, Pakistan, England, and Australia or wherever.

I hope Mahindra Singh Dhoni and Indian Team think tank take a final look at the non-performers before they go into the field for the match with Pakistan. By all means, Sreesanth deserves a chance to prove that it was a one-off day for him against Bangladesh. If Dhoni persists on sidelining him once again, it will be a demoralising factor for the player, who could come out with unplayable deliveries consecutively. Even if it does happen, for a player of his caliber, it will not be the end of the world. Looking forward to an interesting end to the World Cup.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times Online.

KT Readerspeak - Is there a place today for reading and writing?

KT Readerspeak - Is there a place today for reading and writing?

Welcome to the sixth edition of KT Readerspeak with a brand new topic for discussion to which our website readers, print loyalists and our Facebook community can contribute.

Just post your response below to the following question, write in to ktreaderspeak@khaleejtimes.ae or log on to www.facebook.com/khaleejtimes. This week’s question is:

Is there a place for reading and writing in today’s world?

My online comments as follows:

Volunteering and supporting remotely the 4th Used Book Fair organized by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services I was able to send across a good collection of English, Arabic and French books for all ages to Manzil, a participating charity institution in the Fair.

With interest, I keenly followed up with the organizers each day the progress of this event.

The organizers did not end their efforts by merely setting up the stalls. SCHS had two interesting pavilions for children to showcase their reading and writing talent. One was specifically marked for children to draw a picture and write a short story on a specially designed paper. Each participating child was given a framed certificate enclosing their own creativity in it. It was really motivating small children to come and try their own skill at drawing and writing.

Another opportunity for children at the fair was a pavilion by SCHS to try and spell their names using Sign Language. A graphical representation was given to them and looking at it they could try and spell out their names. It was really a great experience as children, and even adults of all ages were made aware by this the value of speaking ability given to all of us.

The days of read aloud stories is dying slowly with the new age electronic generation which encourages short worded communication. However, events and activities such as these stand out and tells us that there exists a few special people who try their best to generate an opportunity for children to find a place in their life for reading and writing.

To read it online, please visit Khaleej Times Online.

Dhoni's blunder - My Letters - Khaleej Times - Dt. 14.03.2011

My Letters - Khaleej Times - Dt. 14.03.2011 - Dhoni's blunder

 

My Letters - Khaleej Times - Dt. 14.03.2011 - Dhoni's blunder

Dhoni’s blunder
14 March 2011

A review cannot be expressed more precisely than done in ‘Reverse Appeal’ (KT, March 13) on the match between India and South Africa. The writer hit the bull’s eye straight and open. A very good start and advantage by the top end batters was lost washed away easily by senseless batting and thoughtless bowling by pacers, except Zaheer Khan.

Captain Dhoni was batting like countrywomen washing clothes near the banks of the village pond, as if either the bat will get hurt or the ball. Not to say the golden gift of the final over. Even Tendulkar was an option for him under the circumstances. Having clear knowledge of Ashish Nehra’s fitness, Dhoni persisted with him by taking him into the playing eleven and then picked him for the crucial over. With smiles and easily playable balls he obliged making Robin Peterson a hero from nowhere. Dhoni had to invent words to cover his own vendetta of not playing Sreesanth, who always had done well against South Africa. It is time Dhoni admits his mistake and selects players according to merit.

-Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in orginal, please visit Khaleej Times online.

Sharjah Used Book Fair to conclude today - Khaleej Times Dt. 04.03.2011

Khaleej Times Dt. 04.03.2011 - Sharjah Used Book Fair to conclude today

4 March 2011 SHARJAH — The fourth edition of the Used Book Fair, organised by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, will conclude today at Khalid Lagoon.

The book fair being held under the theme, “The Treasure of Knowledge,” aims to promote the value of books as well as to highlight the importance of facilitating, acquiring and developing a culture of reading in the community.

The used books are offered between Dh1 and Dh20, and all the books are provided by school students.

“Since last October, we distributed circulars in schools requesting students to donate their old books for the fair. We are open to all books in any language as long as they are not academic ones,” said Jihad al Taher, head of the organising committee.

The fair with 120 stalls by 52 schools and 53 organisations has more than 500,000 books on display.

The availability of quality readable books of different languages and topics at reasonable price has attracted lot of book lovers to the fair.

Children from schools visited the fair during the morning hours and families took the place during evening hours.

A centre stage is available for children to showcase the talent during the event days.

Notable amongst the stalls is one by the SCHS, where children can write their own stories with illustrations and get a certificate from the SCHS. There is also a stall set up by the SCHS whereby children can spell their name using sign language. Book displays include stalls by Manzil, Art of Living, Creative Mums, Embassy of Japan,
Chinese Community and other organisations and schools.

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.

Open Space - Khaleej Times - Dt. 02.03.2011 - The lessons we learn

Open Space - Khaleej Times - Dt. 02.03.2011 - The lessons we learn

Open Space - Khaleej Times - Dt. 02.03.2011 - The lessons we learn

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

2 March 2011

Recently, I had an opportunity to participate in a birthday celebration. It was an important one because, it was the sixth birthday celebration of Manzil, a charitable institution for challenged children located in Sharjah.

I had to travel early from Abu Dhabi and just managed to reach there before the functions started. Having interacted and communicated with the institution only through phone and emails, the visit was very important for me to get to know them in person.

I was really overwhelmed by the enthusiasm with which those children and the staff planned the events. Meeting visitors was also exciting for the students of different age groups. Interacting with them, I felt really privileged and blessed to be among those pure and innocent minds. There were cultural events by students which included songs and drumming and a magic show. Among them one of the senior students got really excited at meeting me and started playing around with my camera.

I allowed him to click and as his demands increased, I quietly allowed him to explore its functions. Watching him one of the teachers told him to go back to his seat and watch the show. He went quietly to his seat and then suddenly came back to me and said, “Sorry Uncle, I played with it and might have damaged it.” I told him not to worry and it was not a problem.

I was however dumbfounded by his words and actions, which in the normal circumstances may not have come from an ordinary child. These were words which people of much wisdom and mobility have now forgotten.

My day became more blessed with the action of that child and the opportunity that I got being among a group of blessed children and those who care for them with such sincerity and devotion.

Incidentally, he and other students from Manzil are participating as volunteers in the 4th Used Book Fair under the theme, “The Treasure of Knowledge.” organised by the Sharjah City of Humanitarian Services, which runs from March 1-4, 2011 at the Palm Garden in Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon. ßYou may find good books at nominal prices and at the same time your visit may cheer them up for doing more for the society.

To read it in original, Please visit KHALEEJ TIMES online.

KT and Sports - My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 01.03.2011

My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 01.03.2011 - KT and Sports

1 March 2011

The coverage of World Cup 2011 by KT is gaining remarkable interest by each day. The amazing quality photos and the amount of interesting content covered within the shortest possible time is amazing.

‘First Slip’ calls for realistic criticism and the observations are what every reader wants to have from his 
own thoughts.

There is confusion in plenty about the umpiring and all these should have been tested, and probable errors should have been eliminated, well before this prestigious event. Multiple analyses for judgment is always good, and should have been the case here.

Talking about ‘Reverse Appeal’, it covers all elements of the matches that are played each day.

From an outsider’s perspective, away from the stadium, it is interesting to read them. Why not include a front appeal at the end with a short prediction of what is in store on the next day’s play. It will be then interesting for readers to see how and what the sports team predict in tandem with our own judgment on the forthcoming matches.

On the match between India and England played at Bangalore, it was made exciting by an absolutely poor bowling performance by the Indian bowlers. Barring Zaheer Khan’s lucky spell in the later part of the game, England won the game convincingly. Even the last partnership proved that India has a toothless attack hitting them for sixes at will.

With one strike bowler and seven batsmen, Indian Captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni has been riding on his luck for quite some time and looks like this is the borderline match that will drift his lucky ride down to a different level.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit, Khaleej Times online.

Doing our bit - My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 23.11.2010

My Letters - Khaleej Times Dt. 23.11.2010 - Doing our bit
23 November 2010

This is in reference to a recent letter requesting the travellers to keep the visa page open while they queue for immigration at the airports. Travellers should be familiar with their passport entries like any addition of information, special endorsements and of course the page number on which visa is stamped for entry.

Immigration officers have a standard procedure of scanning through all the relevant details starting from the main page and may have queries in case any additional updates or amendments have been made in the passport.

Therefore, it is not necessary to keep the visa page open before meeting the officer.

He/she should be aware of the pages and entries in his/her and the family’s passport. This in turn will also help the officer as well as other passenger gain a speedier clearance.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit Khaleej Times online.